West Virginia Birth to Three – What is WVBTT? (Video)
What is WV Birth to Three? |
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How do I make a referral?
To refer a child to the WV Birth to Three system, complete the WVBTT Referral Form or you may call 1-866-321-4728. You may also click here to review our regional offices and forward your request to the county that your child and family resides in.
Who can make a referral?
Referrals of children to WV Birth to Three come from varying sources. The most are from parents, pediatricians, and hospitals. Referrals are received from community resources/programs like childcare facilities or other state programs. Concerned family members or foster parents can also make a referral to the program. Each referral is contacted and if the family agrees, then the process of determining eligibility for services can begin.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for WV Birth to Three services, an infant or toddler under the age of three can either have a delay in one or more areas of their development, or be at risk of possibly having delays in the future.
A child may have delays in one or more of the following areas:
| • | Cognitive - thinking and learning, |
| • | Physical - moving, seeing, and hearing, |
| • | Social/emotional - feeling, coping, getting along with others, |
| • | Adaptive - doing things for him/herself, |
| • | Communication - understanding and communicating with others. |
A child may be born with an established condition (hearing, visual etc.) OR with a condition typically associated with a developmental delay (Down Syndrome, Autism, etc.) OR a combination of biological and other risks factors which may include family stressors.
What is the cost for WV Birth to Three services?
There is no charge for services provided to eligible children and families for WV Birth to Three services that have been identified on the Individualized Family Service Plan.
Where do WV Birth to Three services occur?
Families of eligible infants and toddlers receive WV Birth to Three services and supports in natural environments - places where they live, learn and play. WV Birth to Three services are provided in natural environments allowing a child with special needs to participate in naturally occurring learning opportunities throughout their day. Learning opportunities are present during the daily routines that an infant or toddler would typically do with family, friends, or other caregivers.
| Natural environments include: |  |
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| • | Home | |
| • | Parks | |
| • | Neighborhood play groups | |
| • | Childcare | |
| • | Library Story Hours | |
| • | Play grounds | |
| • | "Mommy/Daddy and Me" classes | |
And many more opportunities that occur “naturally” in a family’s daily life.
| • | Brushing Teeth |  |
| • | Snacks and mealtime | |
| • | Playing with siblings or other friends | |
| • | Reading stories | |
| • | Outings to park or shopping | |
| • | Dressing | |
| • | Bath time |
How does a family decide on what types of services and supports will be helpful for their family and child?
After a child is determined to be eligible in the Birth to Three system, a service coordinator and other team members help the family gather the information needed to make decisions on how they can help their child.
Team members will assist the family to think about questions such as:
| • | Where do you and your child spend time? |
| • | What activities do you enjoy together? |
| • | What seems to go well during the day with your child? |
| • | What are some activities or times when things don't go as well as you would like? |
| • | Do you have other family members or friends who would like to be more involved in helping your child learn? |
They might also help the family think about how they would like to be linked to other community resources or activities.
If you believe that your child and family could benefit from the services that WV Birth to Three can offer, please contact us today!