Month: August 2016

Birth to Three Professional Development – New!

August 30, 2016

Assistive Technology: An IDEA Part C Service will be presented by CT. Birth to Three and NEAT Marketplace on October 26, 2016.  The training will include a morning session covering AT  regulations, procedures,  and NEAT supports; and an afternoon session on low tech to high tech communication supports.  Register for either or both sessions through the Birth to Three Calendar. Going Deeper Into Natural Learning Environment Practices.  If  you did not attend last year, take advantage of the knowledge and support for working with families that you will gain in this one day training: an essential training for all individuals working … Continue reading


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DCF Commissioner Katz speaking Sept. 12 in Hartford

August 29, 2016

You are cordially invited to the 14th annual Parents with Cognitive Limitations Workgroup meeting on Poverty and Cognitive Limitations:  Research, Policy and Practice Monday, Sept. 12 from 8:30 – 12 noon at The Lyceum, 227 Lawrence Street, Hartford CT. Please RSVP by September 7, 2016 to Mary.Alfano@ct.gov with your name, organization, email and phone number Featured speakers include: Commissioner Joette Katz, Department of Children and Families Joanne Goldblum, MSW, Founder & Executive Director, National Diaper Bank Network Jessica Bartholow, Esq., Legislative Advocate, Western Center on Law & Poverty Megan V. Smith, PhD, MPH,  Yale Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Sponsors: Connecticut … Continue reading


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NEAT Marketplace Birth to Three Inventory

August 16, 2016

The NEAT Marketplace inventory for Birth to Three has been recently updated.  If you are considering Assistive Technology for a child, make sure to have a consult with a team member from the discipline related to the child’s need, to assess what type of AT might benefit the child.  Also, please ensure all borrowed equipment is returned to NEAT so it can go back into inventory!  We are a bit low on adaptive seating at the moment.  Please check around!!


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Can Facetime video chat with Grandma or Grandpa support development?

August 16, 2016

New research sheds light on the value of Facetime as meaningful interaction versus just more “screen” time.


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Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) resources from U.S.HHS

August 15, 2016

Opioid abuse is increasing nationally with a correlated increase in prenatal opioid exposures and more infants born with the resulting developmental impact. Families of infants diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) are automatically eligible for CT early intervention if referred within the first three months of life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides resources that you may find helpful as you work with families affected by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/resources/opioid-use-disorders-and-medication-assisted-treatment/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome.aspx One such resource is a video posted by the Texas Dept. of State Health Services that offers several approaches you may want to share with parents … Continue reading


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Update on Re-Referrals

August 15, 2016

Families’  involvement with Birth to Three may start and stop, then restart for a variety of reasons.  When the child is Exited from SPIDER, then the family contacts you or their service coordinator to reconnect,  a set of factors are considered before either the Exit is removed or a new record is created. As of August 1st, CDI administrators Kareena DuPlessis and  Shirley Caro are  processing all of these requests.  They follow the same decision rules that were in effect previously; no changes in protocol.  This streamlined process reduces the number of steps and amount of time needed before a family reconnects with Birth to Three supports. Please … Continue reading


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New System of Payments Policy for Families online

August 5, 2016

The new System of Payments for Families Policy brochure is now available online.  Thanks to the generous support of our Governor and General Assembly, most costs of providing services and supports to families is paid by state funds.  Here is the breakout: 70% State of CT 12% Medicaid reimbursements 9% federal funds 7% private insurance reimbursements 2% parent payments Families that make $45,000 or more  pay a monthly fee based on a sliding scale. These family payments help the state to continue to provide supports and services to all families of eligible children.


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