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Birth to 3 Program
We support families to help their children learn and grow.
The Birth to 3 Program provides comprehensive support to children under the age of three who have developmental delays or disabilities, and their families.
Support is provided in the child’s natural environment, such as home, childcare, or out in the community, wherever they normally spend their time. The focus is on supporting parents and caregivers and giving them the tools needed to help their children develop and learn. Services are provided using a team approach and include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, special instruction, and service coordination.
- Are you concerned about a baby or toddler's development?
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Babies and toddlers have a lot of new skills to learn, so it’s always concerning when a child’s development seems slow or more difficult than would normally be expected. If you think that your child is not developing at the same pace or in the same way as most children his or her age, you can get in touch with your child's medical provider or the Birth to 3 Program.
You can monitor your child’s development by using these milestone checklists or downloading the CDC’s Milestone Tracker app on your phone.
Revised 7.18.2023
- How do I make a referral?
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If you are concerned about your child's development, you can:
- Talk with your child's health care provider.
- Call Oconto County health and human services at 920-834-7000.
- Email Oconto County Health and Human Services.
revised 10.02.2025
- How do I enroll a child?
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Click here for information on how to enroll your child in Birth to 3 services.
- What can I expect during a home visit?
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Beginning of Visit and Joint Planning
At the beginning of the visit, you and your provider will talk about what you tried with your child since the last visit, including what did and didn't work. Tell your provider about anything new since the last visit. Talk about what you want to focus on during today's visit.
Observation
After your provider has reviewed what has happened since the last visit, they will observe you and your child interact during play and/or daily routines, provide a strategy for you to use, then ask you to try it.
Action
The provider will offer support during the visit as you practice new strategies. You and the provider will also discuss how the strategies that were practiced can be implemented during daily routines and activities. Between visits, those strategies can be put into action.
Reflection
You and your provider discuss the activities and strategies practiced during the visit. covering what went well, what didn't, and what you can do the next time.
Feedback
After practicing the strategies, the provider will share ideas/tips/tricks that will best help you during the implementation process and until the provider comes back again for the next visit.
End of Visit
At the end of the visit, you and your provider create a plan of what you want to try with your child between visits and schedule your next visit. Visits can be scheduled in your home, or other community locations.
Revised 10.02.2025
- What is the cost of services?
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The cost of services is based on a sliding fee schedule where total household income and number of members within the household are factors. When using the sliding fee schedule, the service coordinator can determine what amount the family is responsible for paying for the cost of services. This amount is called the 'cost share'. Just as it states in the name, the cost for services is shared between the family and the county.
MA (Badgercare) insurance and private insurance can be billed for provider services.
Revised 10.02.2025
Birth to 3 Philosophy & Practices
Oconto County's Birth to 3 Program believes in using evidence-based practices supported by research. The early intervention practices to support families include important components
- Natural learning environment
- Coaching as an interaction style
This means that services will be provided wherever your child typically spends their day, whether at their home, the home of a relative, a child care center, etc. The early interventionist will coach the parent or caregiver in using strategies and techniques to support their child and family within their daily routines.
Revised August 9, 2023