Early Intervention
LSS has been providing early intervention services for young children for over 30 years. Early intervention for children with identified disabilities and developmental delays, and for children at risk for developmental delay can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges. At LSS, we provide early intervention services to young children through our Birth to Three Program for children with identified disabilities and developmental delay.
Birth to Three
The first three years of a child’s life are important building blocks for that child’s future. When a child is born with a disability or developmental delays are suspected, Birth to Three Program services can provide help and hope.
Our dedicated staff members who work with children in this early intervention program are committed to helping children and families benefit from a family-centered approach to care and education by:
- Supporting the family.
- Providing education about the child’s development.
- Assisting parents and other caregivers in recognizing and understanding the best ways to interact with the child.
- Coaching parents and other caregivers to create strategies and adaptations to increase the child’s ability to participate in daily routines and activities.
- Support in access community activities.
We offer these core services in the Birth to Three Program
- Identification and referral
- Screening
- Eligibility evaluation
- Ongoing assessment for an eligible child
- Development of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)* for an eligible child and family
Service coordination for an eligible child and family
*Ongoing services through the Birth to Three Program that are identified in the IFSP may include a parental cost share.
Eligibility requirements
Before children can receive services in this early intervention program, they must meet eligibility criteria, which include:
- Age birth to the third birthday.
- A resident of Waukesha County.
- A diagnosed condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay
- 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
- Demonstrates atypical development that is likely to affect overall development
Contact Information & Referrals
General Information & Referral Line: (414) 246-2315
Michelle Schmolesky, Supervisor/Service Coordinator, Birth to 3 Program of Waukesha County
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan
(262) 443-3163
FAX: (715) 834-7563
Birth to 3 mailing address:
P.O. Box 1462, Waukesha, WI 53187
Referrals to the Birth to Three program may originate from anyone who has concerns about a child’s development. This includes parents and guardians, friends, doctors, neighbors and child-care providers. Parents must provide consent following a referral in order to move forward.
Wisconsin Wayfinder Children’s Resource Network
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched a new service that will transform the support structure for families of children with delays, disabilities, special health care needs, or mental health conditions. Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network includes a user-friendly website and toll-free helpline that lets families easily connect with real people – dedicated children’s resource guides – who will help navigate through the essential services and supports that will enable their children to thrive.
Please visit dhs.wi.gov/wiscway or call 877-WiscWay (877-947-292) to receive convenient, direct access to compassionate and knowledgeable children’s resource guides.