The first three years of a child’s life build a foundation for later success. If a child is born with a developmental delay, those three years become even more critical. South Dakota’s Birth to 3 Connections program provides early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. 

In 2005, Birth to 3 Connections served nearly 1,700 children across the state, and the need for services is growing. The program has experienced an average increase of 8 percent over the past five years.

“This program is an investment in the future,” said Sherrie Fines, director of Birth to 3 Connections. “Research shows that children with developmental delays are healthier overall and better learners when they receive intervention services as early in their lives as possible.” It also may have a fiscal impact in that, in some cases, the early intervention leads to less remediation once a child enters a formal school setting.

Through Birth to 3 Connections, children have access to a variety of services depending on the child’s needs. Services such as occupational, physical and speech therapy are provided free of charge to help children acquire the skills they need. The program provides services in the child’s natural environment; for example, in the child’s home or daycare setting.

“This program is very focused on family involvement,” Fines explained. “No one knows their child better than a parent or guardian. The Birth to 3 Connections program really works in conjunction with families to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan that incorporates their unique home and family life.”

Developmental delays may come in a variety of areas, from cognitive skills and language skills to physical growth, adaptive skills, and emotional-social growth. Families that think their child may have a delay undergo a screening to determine what the child’s needs might be. Initial screenings are set up by a regional Birth to 3 Connections service coordinator. Local school districts partner with Birth to 3 Connections by providing an initial evaluation to determine a child’s eligibility status.

Once a child has been determined to be eligible for the program, a team of interested parties develops the Individualized Family Service Plan that addresses any physical, cognitive, social or emotional challenges. That team consists, first and foremost, of parents, the service coordinator, any potential service providers, and the school district.

Schools also evaluate children as they transition out of the program at age 3 to determine if the child is eligible for preschool services.

Across South Dakota, there are nine regional Birth to 3 Connections programs and 23 regional service coordinators. Families can call a toll-free number, 1-800-305-3064, to connect with the Birth to 3 service coordinator in their area.

For more information about this program or to locate the service coordinator in your area, visit www.doe.sd.gov/oess/Birthto3/index.asp. Or contact the Department of Education, Birth to 3 Connections, at (605) 773-3678 or sherrie.fines@state.sd.us.

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