As a program, we are happy to hear about the experiences of our children and
families during their time with WV Birth to Three. This video is a compilation of
comments that WV Birth to Three has received from families whose children have
transitioned from the program. We look forward to hearing about your experience
in the future!
WV Resource Guide for Families of Young Children Birth to Five with Hearing Loss
West Virginia Birth to Three – What is WVBTT?
The first few years of life are extremely important! This is a wonderful time to laugh, play, and learn with your child. You have come to WV Birth to Three with many questions and may be seeking support or guidance with your developing child. |
As parent, you play a major role in the growth and development of your baby. Trust your instincts and feelings as you watch your child grow. You are responsible for guiding your child through these early years shaping them into the person that they will one day become.
From the initial referral to your child’s exit from WVBTT will help you with each step. Along the way WVBTT team members will coach you using the tools and resources that are available to meet your family’s needs. Working together as a team, we will make sure that your child has a good start!
WV Birth to Three Mission Statement and Key Principles
In 2015, WV Birth to Three in collaboration with the WV Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council updated our mission and key principles to reflect our values as a state system.
WV Birth to Three has three pillars that support our system in meeting program goals. First, we have federal regulations and state policy that support the research and best practices in early intervention. Second, a strong mission statement that sets the expectations of how we support families, and third, key principles that guides best practices when supporting infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families.
WV Birth to Three Early Intervention
WVBTT Procedural Safeguards - Spanish
The mission of WV Birth to Three is to partner with families and caregivers to build upon their strengths by offering coordination, supports and resources to enhance children’s learning and development Procedural safeguards (parent rights) help to assure that services and supports are provided in a way that protects your confidentiality, assures that your decisions are honored and services on your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) are appropriate and provided in a timely fashion.
You are the voice of your child and it is important to us that you understand your rights. This booklet includes general information on your rights, definitions of terms from Part C of IDEA, and more specific details about your procedural safeguards.
WV Birth to Three provides families with the information and skills they need to help their child be successful.
WV Birth to Three can:
- Support your family in identifying your child’s strengths, needs and where your family may need help.
- Assist your family in learning how to teach your child new behaviors and skills.
- Link your family to other community programs/services that can help you in meeting the needs of your family.
A service coordinator is a team leader who coordinates your WV Birth to Three services, facilitates communication between your family and the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, and provides linkages to other community programs to help families meet their children’s needs as needed.
Your WV Birth to Three Service Coordinator will:
- Listen to your family and show you how WV Birth to Three services can support you.
- Coordinate the development and review of the IFSP with you and your team to meet your child’s needs.
- Help ensure IFSP services are delivered in a way that meets your family’s needs.
- Help your family understand their rights and the procedural safeguards.
- Help your family plan for next steps when you exit WV Birth to Three.
- Help to link families to community activities, resources, and financial supports.
Why Early Relationships Matter?
During the first three years of life, children begin to develop special relationships and attachments to their parents and others who play an important role in their lives. They learn to trust and feel secure in their world. Developing a trusting and secure relationship plays an important role in a child’s social emotional development.
To view some examples of the activities that support social emotional development, click on the title link.
WV Birth to Three’s Child Outcome Measurement System
WV Birth to Three is participating in a national project to gather information on how early intervention services support and make a difference for children and families. Progress for all children eligible for WV Birth to Three will be measured on three national Child Outcomes.
- Children have positive social/emotional skills (including positive social relationships)
- Children acquire and use knowledge and skills.
- Children take appropriate actions to meet needs.
Your child’s skills and abilities will be measured using information that has been gathered through parent interviews, review of pertinent medical records, formal and informal assessment tools, and observation of your child at home and within the community. All information gathered will be confidential.
To learn more about the Child Outcome Measurement System, please click here.
How to Connect with WV Birth to Three
WV Birth to Three Regional offices - WV Birth to Three has eight regional offices across the state. Search for your county name to be connected with the office that services your area.
WVBTT Parent Partner Directory – Each office has a Parent Partner who assists families with making connections for resources/services in their area. Through a quarterly newsletter, Parent Partners share information on local community events, parent groups, and activities that may be of interest to you and your family.
Regional Parent Partner Newsletters
Region I - Connecting the Dots - Fall 2024
Region I - Connecting the Dots - Summer 2024
Region I - Connecting the Dots - Spring 2024
Region I - Connecting the Dots - Winter 2023
Region II - BTT Bits - Fall 2024
Region II - BTT Bits - Summer 2024
Region II - BTT Bits - Spring 2024
Region III - Parent to Parent - Summer 2024
Region III - Parent to Parent - Winter 2024
Region IV - BTT Fall 2023
Region IV - BTT Summer 2023
Region V & VI- Making Connections - Winter 2022
Region V & VI- Making Connections - Spring 2022
Region V & VI- Making Connections - Spring 2021
Region VII - Bridges - Fall 2024
Region VII - Bridges - Summer 2024
Region VII - Bridges - Spring 2024
Region VIII - Tidbits - Summer 2024
How Babies Grow
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Milestones Tracker App
TEAM for WV Children-WV Infant/Toddler Mental Health Association
Zero to Three
Important Family Resources/Topics
Keeping Children Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Healthy Grand Families - a new free resource for grandparents raising grandchildren
Infant Guardianship | |
Military Family Learning Network Webinar Events - THRIVE Initiative-a continuum of parenting programs for parents of children from birth to 18 years of age
Parent Educator Resource Centers (PERC)
To The Moon And Back, Inc. – WV Chapter - A support program that provides a safe place to discuss parenting and share best practices for
caring for children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or substance exposure.
WV Department of Health & Human Resources – WVPATH
Financial Resources
Autism Speaks – Financial Resources
Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) - Children with Disabilities Community Services Program is an option for families of children starting at birth. CDCSP is a Medicaid program and provides families of accepted children with a Medicaid card. Families can apply based on the child’s level of need. For families in WV Birth to Three, please contact your local Service Coordinator.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Waiver - WVDHHR Bureau for Medical Services - The West Virginia I/DD Waiver is a federally/state funded program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. To learn more about the I/DD Waiver contact you WVBTT Service Coordinator
Social Security Administration – Benefits for Children with Disabilities
WVABLE - A STABLE Account is an investment account available to eligible individuals with disabilities. STABLE Accounts are made possible by the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) Act. STABLE Accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid or SSI.
WV Health Insurance Premium Payment - The West Virginia Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program is a state-funded program for qualifying Medicaid recipients and their families who have access to health insurance that is either self-funded, available through a job, or COBRA.
To learn more about resources and services that may be available to your family please contact your Local Regional Administrative Unit (RAU).
Autism Awareness
Hearing
Vision
Combined Hearing & Vision Loss
Child Health and Development
Promoting Social Emotional Development
State Resources
National Resources
Infant/Toddler Mental Health