Birth to 3 Program
Leaders Discuss Milwaukee County's Birth to 3
“Bright Start, Early Future: Connect, Play, Learn, Grow” Event Highlights
About the Milwaukee County Birth to 3 Program
The Birth to 3 Program is for children ages birth to 3 years old who are suspected of having developmental delays that may indicate the need for early intervention services. Children ages birth to 3 who are eligible for services have a:
- 25% delay in one or more areas of development (behavioral, social and emotional, cognitive, speech/language or motor)
- Atypical development that is adversely affecting the child’s overall development
- Diagnosed condition, with a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay
- Diagnosed hearing or vision impairment
If you are concerned about your child’s development, know the Milwaukee County DHHS Birth to 3 Program is there to help. PLEASE CALL. The earlier a child receives an evaluation and services, the more we can do to support you.
Referrals Are Easy!
Referrals can be made from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (414) 289-6799 (English and Spanish). Once referred, your child will be assigned a service coordinator and expert evaluation team. The screening can take place anywhere you and your child feel comfortable.
Online Developmental Screening
Birth to 3 offers a free, comprehensive and confidential online screening tool to help you see if your child's developmental progress is on time and alert you to any potential concerns. After you complete the questionnaire, a Birth to 3 representative will share the results to you.
What is a developmental screening? Developmental screening is a questionnaire that takes a closer look at how your child is developing, including language, movement, thinking, behavior and emotions. By completing the screening, you are making sure your child is off to the best possible start!
Child Development Questionnaire (English) Child Development Questionnaire (Spanish)
Birth to 3 Program Materials
The following information will help provide answers to families and communities about the Birth to 3 Program in Milwaukee County.
Looking for programming documents? Check out DHS Birth to 3 forms.
Child Development Basics
What it is, why it is important and other resources.
Social Emotional Development
A child’s social-emotional development from birth to age three is incredibly important as it directly impacts their long-term brain structure and resulting behavioral patterns through adulthood. Milwaukee County Birth to 3 has developed multiple educational resources for families and staff to help support the social emotional development in children Birth to 3.
What is the Birth to 3 Program?
English
Spanish
What is Social Emotional Development in Children?
English
Spanish
Transition in the Birth to 3 Program
Children in the Birth to 3 Program may experience transition at any time in the Birth to 3 Process. The transition can be as small as a change from one daycare to another to graduating from the Birth to 3 Program. Milwaukee County Birth to 3 has developed educational materials, checklists, and resources to support families and staff during any transition.
Early Intervention and Telehealth Services
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Wisconsin has supported counties to provide remote service delivery as an alternate and effective way to serve young children with developmental delays and disabilities at home with their families. Milwaukee County Birth to 3 has developed guidance for families to understand this new method of service delivery.
Equity
Children look to their families with love and trust to guide their understanding about their place in this great big world. Milwaukee County Birth to 3 has created resources to help guide conversations with children about racism and other topics.
Participant Testimonials
Marie's Story
Alyssa's Story
Amarylis' Story
Meet the Birth to 3 Team
Samantha Cortez - Children's Disability Supervisor
As Birth to 3 Program Coordinator, Samantha oversees incoming referrals and makes sure families are receiving quality service. She interacts with families if they want to share about their experiences in the Birth to 3 program. Her curiosity about how early life experiences and early intervention impact child development led her to the Birth to 3 program. Samantha holds a bachelor's degree of psychology from Alverno College, and is a graduate of the UW Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Capstone Certificate Program through the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and decorating cakes.
Emely Ontiveros - Human Services Worker & Birth to 3 Liaison
As a Human Services Worker – Birth to 3 Liaison, Emely bridges communications with agency staff, other community partners and Milwaukee County programs. She reviews documentation, informs families of their rights and program options, and speaks with families as they are entering the program. Seeing the need for advocacy, support of families and a positive portrayal of programs and services led Emely to the Birth to 3 program. Emely holds a bachelor’s degree in interpretation and translation of Spanish from Andrews University. She worked as a Parent Educator at the Early Head Start Program, which opened her eyes to the needs of Milwaukee families and the role that early intervention plays in helping children and families thrive. In her free time, Emely enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, photography, and spending time with her family.
Breonna Williams - Birth to 3 Liaison
Breonna bridges communications with agency staff, other community partners and Milwaukee County programs. She reviews documentation, informs families of their rights and program options, and speaks with families as they are entering the program. Breonna is passionate about helping families achieve their goals and being a helping hand for those who are in need of resources. Breonna is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh where she received her Bachelors of Science in Sociology. In her free time Breonna enjoys spending time with her family, attending church, traveling to new places, spending time outdoors, and reading.
Joann Miller - Birth to 3 Liaison
As a Birth to 3 Liaison, Joann supports communication between agency staff, community partners, and Milwaukee County programs. She reviews documentation, informs families of their rights and program options, and assists families as they begin services within the program. Joann’s experience working at Wisconsin Early Autism Project at the start of her career introduced her to working with individuals with disabilities and inspired her passion for learning more about supporting children and families. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and also holds a certificate in Childhood and Adolescent Studies. In her free time, Joann enjoys crocheting, taking care of plants, spending time with family, watching movies, and trying new restaurants.
Stephanie Ehlers - Quality Assurance Specialist
As a Quality Assurance Specialist, Stephanie ensures that all policies, procedures, and practices align seamlessly with Children, Youth & Family Services’ mission and objectives. She brings extensive experience in early intervention, having served families in both Milwaukee County and Fort Worth, Texas as a Birth to 3 Service Coordinator and Early Interventionist. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and elementary education from Winona State University. A former teacher with a strong passion for child development and trauma‑informed care, she prides herself on being a lifelong learner dedicated to continuous growth. As a foster parent, Stephanie is a committed advocate for children’s needs and well‑being. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, friends, and dog.
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Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services
1230 W. Cherry Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205
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Talk to Us
Children's Resource and Referral Line: (414) 289-6799
TTY/TTD: (414) 289-5711
Email: [email protected]