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Birth to 3 Program 

Leaders Discuss Milwaukee County's Birth to 3

“Bright Start, Early Future: Connect, Play, Learn, Grow” Event Highlights 

A father playing games with a toddler

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.

414-289-6799

A family making an online referral from the comfort of their home

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. 

Birth to 3 Referral Form

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)

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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.

A mother holding a newborn baby closely

Child Development Basics

What it is, why it is important and other resources.

Two children displaying negative emotions

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.

  • Transition Checklist for Families:   English | Spanish
  • General Program and Resources for Children Turning 3:   English | Spanish
  • Resources Specifically for Social Emotional Mental Health Concerns for Children and Their Families:   English | Spanish
  • LEA Transition Resources:   English | Spanish
  • Family Resource - Leaving the Birth to 3 Program:   English | Spanish
  • Transition out of Birth to 3 - FAQ:   English | Spanish
  • Transition Process in the Birth to 3 Program - Guide for Staff:   English | Spanish

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. 

  • 5 Books to Help You Talk with Your Toddler About Race and Difference:   English | Spanish
  • Talking to Your Toddler About Race: When and How to Begin:   English | Spanish
  • Common Questions Your Toddler May Ask About Race and Difference:   English | Spanish

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.

 

Roshay Edwards - Quality Assurance Coordinator 

As Quality Assurance Specialist, Roshay makes sure that all policies, procedures and practices are in alignment with Disability Services Division objectives. She interacts with families if they have concerns about the services they are receiving. The Birth to 3 program helped Roshay’s Godchild, who was a preemie, learn, grow and thrive, and because of the impact provided by the program, Roshay wanted to be a part of it. Roshay holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Service Management from Cardinal Stritch University, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work from Aurora University and an MBA from UW-Parkside. Roshay has volunteered with children and families for over 15 years in various capacities within the city of Milwaukee. In her free time, Roshay enjoys spending time with family and close friends, working out, attending church, and reading.

Crystal Vang - Human Services Worker & Birth to 3 Liaison

Crystal 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. She is passionate about how children learn, and enjoys observing how families introduce their children to the complex world. Crystal is a graduate of Butte College in Chico CA where she studied Early Child Development and Social Behavioral Science. She holds a bachelor's from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA in Human Development. In her free time, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, traveling, working out, attending church, and reading.

 

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.

Visit Us 

Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services

1220 West Vliet 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 (TTY)

Email: [email protected]

MILWAUKEE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

1220 W. Vliet St.

Suite 301

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205

Our Vision

Together, creating healthy communities.

Our Mission

Empowering safe, healthy, meaningful lives.

Our Values

Partnership, Respect, Integrity, 

Diversity, Excellence

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