Birth to Three

Taking a Child’s Play Seriously

Birth to Three is a state-funded, year-round program that offers comprehensive services to families with children aged 0-3 who are identified as having developmental delays. Since 1982, Cheshire Birth to Three has served Cheshire and the nearby communities of Naugatuck, Wolcott, and Prospect. Originally established as a grant program in 1987, Lois Rho created and embraced the Early Intervention philosophy, which laid the foundation for the Cheshire Public Schools Birth to Three Program that exists today.

Our program features a highly qualified and experienced team of special education teachers and specialists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and social work. These professionals work in the family’s home to provide services tailored to meet the unique needs of both the child and the family. Additionally, Birth to Three hosts weekly parent-child playgroups for children aged 0-3 and their families at our Parent/Child Resource Center.

Birth to Three is a research-based program funded by state and federal sources, designed to support the development of infants and toddlers in several ways: 

    • Providing families with information and resources about available community programs.
    • Offering support and suggestions for integrating developmental practices into the family’s daily routine.
    • Encouraging development in “natural environments” that the child experiences, such as relatives’ homes, daycare, community programs, playgrounds, and parks.

Our approach focuses on teamwork in assessment and service delivery, utilizing a transdisciplinary model that addresses the individual needs of each child and family through a coaching style of interaction. Staff and family members collaborate to coordinate and implement a tailored service plan based on shared concerns, needs, and priorities.

Parents, family members, and primary caregivers are the “first teachers” of their children. We aim to enhance your natural abilities as parents or caregivers by providing ideas, techniques, and strategies to support your child’s successful development.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, we invite you to visit the Parent/Child Resource Center at Barnum Elementary School (please call 203-272-9108 for the schedule) or contact the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000 to request an evaluation.