 Families are the Foundation of Wisconsin's Birth to 3
Program
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on how to order copies)
Families Are The Foundation
The first three years are the most important building blocks of your
child's future. This is the time that development is most rapid. It's the time that young
children begin to notice and explore their world. It's the time when a great amount of
learning takes place.
Every family wants their child to grow and learn to their fullest potential. Some
children who have developmental delays or disabilities need extra support. One way this
support is provided is through early intervention.
The Wisconsin early intervention program is known as Birth to 3.
No matter where you live in Wisconsin, the county
is responsible for providing Birth to 3 services to eligible children and their families.
Your county Birth to 3 professionals will work in partnership with you to identify
outcomes for your child and family which will support your child’s ability to grow,
learn and communicate. They will give you the information and assistance you need so you
can support your child's development. They may also connect your family with other
families and provide opportunities for you to participate in support groups and training
experiences. A goal of Birth to 3 is to enhance the abilities of your child and family to
fully participate in your community.
The Birth to 3 Program recognizes the primary role of families. You are
the most important person in your child's life. The knowledge you have about your child,
as well as the resources and priorities of your family, will provide direction throughout
the process of planning your individual family's service plan or IFSP.
The IFSP is both a plan and a process. The plan is a written document
that describes the services and supports you and your child will be receiving to meet the
needs and priorities you have identified. The process includes specific
steps that you and the early intervention professionals will move through as you plan for
and obtain services to meet your child's and your family's needs. This process is designed
to be sensitive to your family's beliefs and values as well as your religious, cultural,
ethnic and racial background.
There are people in each county Birth to 3 Program
who will work with you from the time your child is referred to the program until your
child and family no longer need early intervention services, or when your child reaches
age three and transitions from the program. Both you and the early intervention
specialists have important roles in ensuring that this process leads to positive outcomes
for your child and your family.
Partnerships are the Building
Blocks 
Last Revised: March 24, 2009 |
