There are 3 main requirements for an infant or toddler to get services from Birth to Three.
They must live in Connecticut
They must be younger than 3 years old
In fact, they need to be younger than age 2 and 320 days — if they’re within 45 days of their third birthday, they’re not eligible.
They must have either a developmental delay or a medical condition that is likely to cause a developmental delay
These conditions include autism, cerebral palsy, some vision and hearing problems, and many others. You can find a complete list of conditions here.
Children under age three who live in Connecticut are eligible for Birth to Three System supports because they either:
- show a significant developmental delay of -2 SD in one or -1.5 SD in two or more areas, or
- have a diagnosed medical condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay
A professional evaluation team meets with the parents and child in their home and use one or more standardized tests to evaluate the child’s strengths and needs.
In most cases, our team will evaluate your child to see if they have a developmental delay. To be eligible for Birth to Three, they need to have a significant delay in one or more of these areas:
- Cognitive abilities (learning, problem solving and remembering)
- Communication skills (talking, understanding and expressing ideas, following directions, pointing)
- Social or emotional behaviors (expressing emotions and having healthy relationships)
- Physical development, including seeing, hearing, moving, and general health
- Adaptive skills (self-help or daily living skills)
All children aged 16 months and older are also screened for an autism spectrum disorder.
Families of eligible children are offered comprehensive supports to meet their goals for their child and family and connect with their community.
What should I do if my child is not eligible?
You can still get help. For example, contact 2-1-1 Child Development if your child:
- Is too old for Birth to Three
- Lives outside of Connecticut
- Doesn’t have a significant developmental delay but is “at risk” for one because of issues in their environment
The experts at 2-1-1 Child Development can help you find support. For example, children 3 and older can get help through their local school system. The Ages and Stages (ASQ) child development monitoring program and other supports may also be helpful.
Families of children who are evaluated and found to be not eligible are offered participation in the Ages and Stages (ASQ) child development monitoring program, and are given information about other supports in their community that may better meet their needs.
Check out this Step by Step Guide for supporting your child’s development. (English) (Spanish)
If our evaluation didn’t find that a child is eligible, but you or other caregivers still have concerns, you can refer them again. This is called “re-referral” and you just need to repeat the referral process. You must wait at least 1 month after the original evaluation before doing a re-referral. If you are still concerned about the child’s development 90 days or more after a child is found not eligible, please request an updated evaluation by calling 1-800-505-7000 or cdi.211ct.org.
Almost 3 years old?
Any child who will turn three years old within 45 days is given information about seeking preschool special education supports and services from their local school district under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B.
“At-Risk”
The Connecticut Birth to Three System does not serve infants and toddlers who are at risk for delay due to environmental causes.