Birth to 3

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is committed to keeping families informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. DHS has published a second Birth to 3 Program Family Communication, P-02654, which contains important information about COVID-19 for children and families who access early intervention services through the Birth to 3 Program.

Birth to 3 is an early intervention program for all children from birth to 36 months (3 years) who have a diagnosed disability, move in ways that are not typical, or show a big delay in development.

The early intervention team will evaluate your child's:

• Cognitive Development (ability to learn)
• Sensorimotor Development (move, see, hear)
• Speech and Language Development (able to understand others and make own needs known)
• Adaptive Development (daily tasks such as dressing, playing, brushing teeth)

The Birth to 3 staff strives to help the family understand and be a part of the evaluation process. The services and support a child and family receive are based on their needs.

If you have concerns about your child's growth, development or learning we encourage you to call the Polk County Birth to 3 Early Intervention Program for a FREE screening at 715-485-8585.

Click here for a referral form for the Birth to 3 Program.

What services and support may be available

What will this cost

Why are Birth to 3 services important

What to look for

Who can make a referral

Links for more information

Additional Resources:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” initiative includes resources on milestones checklist and parenting tips. 

Go to: www.actearly.wisc.edu   Information is also available in Spanish. 

ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families includes resources on behavior, development, child care and school readiness.

Go to: http://www.zerotothree.org/  

Autism Speaks includes resources on Autism Spectrum Disorder, signs of autism and resources available to children with autism and their families. 

Go to: www.autismspeaks.org/  

The CDC has released an app for parents or caregivers to download to track progress of developmental milestones.