West Virginia Birth to Three (birth to three WV) is a program that helps families support their children’s development. If a child between birth and 36 months has developmental delays or other risks, WV Birth to Three can provide early intervention services.
Early intervention is important for children who need a little extra help to thrive. The WV Birth to Three program can help!
What is WV Birth to Three?
WV Birth to Three is West Virginia’s early intervention system for babies and toddlers who have disabilities or are experiencing developmental delays.
The program is free, and services are provided in the child’s “natural environment” — generally, the home or daycare.
The WV Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council (WVICC) guides the program and helps make sure it’s meeting the needs of West Virginia’s youngest citizens.
Who can get services from WV Birth to Three?
The program is for infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months (3 years) of age.
To be eligible, a child must have a disability or developmental delay. This means they may not be reaching milestones at the same rate as other children their age, or they may have a diagnosed condition that’s likely to cause delays.
How to Get Help: Referral Process and IFSP
Making a Referral
Anyone can make a referral to the Birth to Three program. If you are concerned about a child’s development, you can contact the program directly to start the process.
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
If a child is eligible for the program, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed. The IFSP is a plan that outlines the specific services and supports that the child and family will receive. The IFSP is created within 45 days of the child being found eligible for the program.
Is my child on track?
It’s easy to worry about whether your child is developing normally. The important thing is to track your child’s development and act early if you have concerns.
The CDC has a helpful list of developmental milestones. You can check it out to see if your child is doing what’s expected at each age. The milestones for children between 15 and 30 months have recently been updated, so you’ll want to check the CDC's milestone information to make sure you’re up to date.
Transitioning out of Birth to Three
As your child approaches age three, the Birth to Three program will offer transition support to help you plan your child’s next steps.
This planning process may include connecting you with community resources, helping you enroll in preschool, or finding other services that can support your child’s continued development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Birth to Three provide?
West Virginia’s Birth to Three program provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers (birth to age three) with developmental delays or disabilities. This includes individualized support and resources to help them reach their full potential. The program focuses on working with families in their natural environments, such as their homes or childcare settings, to promote the child’s development across all areas – cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive.
Who is eligible for Birth to Three in West Virginia?
Children in West Virginia are eligible for Birth to Three if they are under the age of three and have a diagnosed developmental delay or disability. This can be determined through an evaluation process that assesses the child’s skills and abilities. Children may also be eligible if they have certain medical conditions that are likely to result in developmental delays.
What is the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program?
It’s important to clarify that this article focuses on the West Virginia Birth to Three program. While Wisconsin also has a Birth to 3 Program, the services, eligibility requirements, and specific program details may differ. If you are looking for information about the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program, you should consult resources specific to Wisconsin’s program. Each state’s program is designed to meet the unique needs of its residents and operates under its own set of guidelines.
Putting It All Together
WV Birth to Three is a vital resource for helping young children thrive. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, reaching out to WV Birth to Three is a great first step.
Early intervention can make a huge difference in a child’s life, so don’t hesitate to seek support!