Birth to Three

Reachout has maintained its grant with the CT Birth to Three System since 1994 by providing quality services which meet the requirements of state and federal laws governing the System. For young children deemed eligible to participate in the System based on developmental disability or delay, early intervention services are provided in the child’s natural environment. Typically, this is the child’s home or childcare setting where they are comfortable and typically spend their day.

It is our goal to provide parents and caregivers with knowledge and skills so that they can confidently participate in their child’s early intervention and help promote their child’s development. Strategies are practical, reasonable, and are imbedded within the child’s daily routines.

Reachout is one of 32 general Birth to Three programs in the state. We provides services to the following south central Connecticut 22 cities and towns: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Derby, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, Woodbridge.

WHAT is it

Birth to Three is a system of support for families to help them meet the needs of their infants and toddlers who have disabilities or delays in their development. In Connecticut, the Dept. of Developmental Services is the lead agency that administers the Birth to Three System.

WHO can participate

Children may be found eligible for early intervention in one of two ways:

1. Your child has a confirmed medical condition that is expected to lead to a developmental delay and therefore is automatically eligible
2. Evaluation by staff from two different professions confirms that there is a significant delay in one or more areas of development. The examiners assess five areas of development:
   • Physical development, such as vision, hearing, movement and health
   • Adaptive or self help skills, such as feeding and dressing
   • Cognitive skills,such a thinking, learning, and reasoning
   • Social-emotional development, such as getting along with others, expressing feelings, developing relationships
   • Communication skills, such as pointing, understanding your words, expressing thoughts

WHERE

The initial evaluation usually takes place in your home if that is where you and your child feel most comfortable.  If your child is found eligible, you will participate in developing a plan with your service coordinator. The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will describe the real-life outcomes you want for your child and family. The IFSP lists how, where, and when your family will work with the program staff to reach those outcomes.

SERVICES

Early Intervention services are provided by Connecticut licensed or certified professionals as well as supervised trained paraprofessionals. The most commonly delivered  services include: speech language pathology, special education teaching, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology devices and services, nutrition, social work assistance, and family support. Interpretation is provided as needed. Limited bilingual Spanish services are available.

AFTER BIRTH TO THREE

Reachout will ensure a smooth transition from Birth to Three for your child and family by planning ahead. Your service coordinator will discuss what types of programs or services you would like for your child and family after Birth to Three services end. This may include sending information to your local school system, with your authorization, to determine if your child qualifies for special educational services.

For more information, visit www.birth23.org.