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Birth to 3 Program: Your Rights

Share Your Input

Wisconsin is updating the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS). We’re inviting parents, caregivers, and professionals who support children from birth to first grade to complete a 15-minute survey to help shape what’s included and how it’s delivered.

Take the statewide survey

Federal and state laws

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law. It helps protect children with disabilities. It makes sure those children can get the services they need. IDEA guides how states and public agencies provide:

  • Early intervention 
  • Special education
  • Other related services

Infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Learn more about IDEA. Read Understanding Part C of IDEA.

In Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services (DHS) leads early intervention services. This is done through the Birth to 3 Program. DHS has rules to run the program across the state. Read those here: Wisconsin administrative code DHS 90.

Specific rights (Birth to 3 Program - Parent and Child Rights, P-21106) are built into the Birth to 3 Program. There are also legal safeguards built in. These are in place to protect children and their families. These safeguards ensure that the Birth to 3 Program will:

  • Follow set rules.
  • Respect your views and wishes about the services your family and child get. 

Solving disagreements

There may be a time when you don’t agree with the services your child gets. This is called a dispute. As the caregiver of a child, you have the right to disagree with the decisions made. This could include decisions about:

  • Whether or not your child qualifies.
  • Assessment results.
  • Services.
  • How your child’s services are paid for.

Most counties have a local process for solving issues in the Birth to 3 Program. Please ask the support and service coordinator for more information.

You also have these options to help solve any issues:

Glossary

 
Last revised September 23, 2025