Birth to Three
Asotin County offers Birth to Three services to families with young children who may be experiencing developmental delays or disabilities. We are funded through Developmental Disabilities Administration, Department of Early Learning and Asotin County School Districts. If you have concerns about your child’s development, the first step to take is to email or call Asotin County Family Resource Coordinator (FRC), Lori Hyde at (509) 780-7420. Lori will interview you and assist you in obtaining a free developmental screening or evaluation for your child.
Birth to Three Services Matter
Early intervention is the “name” for the developmental help available to families with children ages birth to three who have been diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability.
The purpose of early intervention is to help children make as much progress as possible during the years when their brain is growing the most. Some children who get early intervention services will outgrow the need for specialized support by the time they enter school.
For children experiencing or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, early intervention is critical. The highest rate of learning and development occurs in the years before a child starts school. Skills not learned during these crucial years will be harder for the child to learn later in life. Children who experience early childhood intervention services score better on tests, are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to require special education.
Research shows the early intervention therapies do far more than provide immediate benefit during the developmental years. They significantly increase the child’s ability to integrate in future social environments, including school, community and the workplace.
Determining Eligibility
Eligibility for early intervention services is not based on income and is usually determined by the presence of a developmental delay in one or more of the following developmental areas.
- Fine or gross motor skills— reaching, grasping, sitting, walking, moving, etc.
- Self-help skills—feeding, dressing, toileting, etc.
- Expressive and receptive language skills—talking, responding to words, etc.
- Social skills—making eye contact, relating to others, etc.
- Cognitive or problem solving skills—ability to learn.
Children who have Down syndrome, medically intensive needs, or a condition that is too complicated to be assessed are eligible for Birth to Three services.
Family Resource Coordination
Family Resource Coordination is a free, direct service that is provided to each family whose child is referred to Asotin County Birth to Three services.
The family resource coordinator is responsible for activities including:
- Coordinating evaluations and assessments;
- Identifying service providers;
- Facilitation of the development of Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
- Assuring services are provided that support the child and family outcomes outlined in the IFSP:
- Connecting families to other resources that may be available in the community;
- Supporting the transition of children and families to their local school districts at the child’s third birthday.
Early Intervention strategies/practitioners include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, registered dieticians, developmental therapists and psychologists. Wherever possible, services are provided in the child’s natural environment (day care, home, classroom) or community. Families are encouraged to participate in therapy visits and learn to develop strategies and supports to increase the child’s participation in everyday activities and routines.
