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Katharine Foley

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Waukesha County residents receive essential child support during public health pandemic

Waukesha, Wis. (July __, 2020) – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) continues to offer Birth to 3 early intervention services for Waukesha families with children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities during this public health crisis.

“As more parents and guardians work from home and spend increased time with their children, they may recognize signs of developmental delays exhibited by their young loved ones,” said Héctor Colón, President and CEO, LSS. “We want people to know our Birth to 3 program remains an available program individuals can turn to for developmental screening and support.”

The LSS Birth to 3 Program offers families in Waukesha County with resources including, but not limited to, screening, eligibility evaluation, ongoing assessment, and service coordination. It is free to call and individuals can speak with a clinical specialist who will answer their questions and determine if their child qualifies for services. Referrals are welcome from anyone with concerns about a child’s development, including but not limited to, parents and guardians, friends, doctors, neighbors and childcare providers.

“During these challenging times, it’s important that parents and guardians feel supported and have someone to talk to about their concerns,” said Linda Wetzel, Birth to 3 Program Manager, LSS. “Our families throughout Waukesha County build strong relationships with our early intervention team and we’re thankful that we can continue offering resources to the community.”

LSS takes a holistic approach dictated by each child’s individual development opportunities. The Birth to 3 program currently offers telehealth visits with service coordinators, speech, physical and occupational therapists, and early education teachers who work with parents and guardians on strategies and activities to help their child reach various developmental milestones.

“Our son, Elijah, was diagnosed with epilepsy and we noticed he was showing signs of developmental delays around the eight month mark,” said Meghan Kuehl, a Birth to 3 client. “Our doctor recommended we work with a Birth to 3 program and since we began working with LSS, Elijah has made tremendous progress. While the telehealth visits with our PT and OT therapists look a little different, it has allowed us to be more engaged and hands-on in the therapy process.”

“Waukesha County values the strong partnership we’ve built with LSS over the years, working together to seamlessly provide support to families and children in need of critical early intervention services,” said Lisa Roberts, Children & Family Services Manager for the Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services. “Now it’s more important than ever to work with our community and make sure they’re aware of the resources available.”

In order to receive services, children must meet the following eligibility requirements: age birth to third birthday; diagnosed condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay or exhibits a delay of 25% or more in one area of functioning (cognitive, physical, communication, social and emotional or self-help skills) on standardized developmental testing or demonstrates atypical development that is likely to affect overall development.

If you are a Waukesha resident and have questions about your children’s 0 to 3 development, please call 262-548-7212 or visit www.lsswis.org/LSS/Programs-Services/Youth-Programs/Birth-to-3 to learn more about resources available. There is no cost to call or have your child screened.

About Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan strives to build healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve. For more than 100 years, this has been our goal. At LSS, we value compassion, co-creation, change and courage, instilling these core values in every community and residential program we offer. We believe in the infinite worth of every individual and because of this, we are committed to the growth and empowerment of others. To learn more about how LSS acts compassionately, serves humbly and leads courageously, visit www.LSSwis.org.

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