Birth to 3 Program 

Help Kids Grow and Learn with the Birth to Three Program

Every child learns and grows at their own pace. How a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves can show if they are reaching important developmental milestones. If you or your health and child care professionals notice the child is behind in their development, early intervention can help.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Birth to 3 Program serves families with children under the age of 3 who have delays or disabilities. A team of professional service providers partners with families in the program to support growth and learning. Family culture, beliefs, and individualized outcomes help shape what and how services are provided. For more information about the program, refer to the Birth to 3 Program First 1,000 Days brochure.

Partner with a team to support child development

When a child is found eligible for the Birth to 3 Program, your family is supported by a full team that helps the child learn, interact, and thrive at home, in child care, and during other everyday activities like going to the library, store, or park. The program team may include:

• A service coordinator

• Early childhood special education teacher

• Speech, occupational, and/or physical therapist

• Other professionals or service providers as necessary

One of these professional service providers will be the person who visits your home most often. They are called the “primary coach.”

Understand how the Birth to 3 Program can support you 
The Birth to 3 Program supports you as the child’s first and best teacher. You will learn about:

• Communicating the child’s needs.

• Helping the child learn and grow.

• Knowing and exercising your rights in the program.

• Maintaining a healthy, early, and strong relationship with the child.

The primary coach can also answer questions about challenges you experience, give insight on activities, help you decide if technology or assistive aids might be a good fit, and more.