CT Birth to Three System Expands Services

A press release issued April 10 from the state Department of Developmental Services:

The CT Birth to Three System has expanded their efforts to support children who have experienced trauma or exhibit behavioral concerns. 

For more than two decades, Birth to Three has provided early intervention to approximately 4,500 children each year who have delays in their motor, communication, cognitive, self-help or social emotional development. Birth to Three programs utilize trained staff, including mental health clinicians, to identify and support these little ones and their biological, foster and/or adoptive families. 

“This initiative provides professionals and families richer insight, support and services for children who have exhibited certain mental health and behavioral issues,“ said Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Commissioner Terrence W. Macy, Ph.D. “It is only by focusing on specific issues and responding with appropriate supports that our most vulnerable children will be given every opportunity to thrive.”

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy marked April 6-12th as the Week of the Young Child in the State of Connecticut and Birth to Three is one of many Connecticut agencies that serve children. It has more than 1,100 early intervention professionals’ that work with children across the state each year. Every day, Birth to Three supports families and caregivers in the child’s home, childcare center or other community settings where the child lives, learns and plays.

Children leave the Birth to Three System when they no longer need the supports or when they turn three. Those who continue to show delays are referred for preschool special education services in their town. The data show that 50% of children who were in Birth to Three, do not require special education when they enter Kindergarten. 

Referrals are made to the Child Development Infoline (CDI) by anyone who has concerns about a child’s development. The dedicated staff at the CDI office contact the family and connect them with one of the programs that serve their town from among the 40 contracted programs statewide.

Visit the CT Birth to Three System website at www.birth23.org.