West Virginia’s Birth to Three program is a system of services and support for children, under the age of 3, who either have a developmental delay or are at risk for a delay.

Tammy Fleshman, a regional parent partner for Birth to Three, says the program focuses on children “who are not moving seeing, hearing or learning like others their age.” She says the program is for children who have biological conditions, like autism, or have risk factors due to the dynamics of their home life.

The program offers a wide range of support.

“We get referrals from Child Protective Services when there are children who may not be getting the emotional support they need,” Fleshman said. “We can go in and provide in-home support; it could be behavioral, emotional or physical. Some kids do not have the muscle tone they need, and we will assist caregivers in making sure their muscles develop.”

She notes that early detection of a delay is important. For that reason, anyone can make a referral, a parent, child care provider or a physician. Once a child is referred, the Birth to Three program makes sure the child is evaluated by a doctor. If the child is determined to have developmental delays, the program will move forward to provide whatever care may be needed. Audiologists, counselors, nurses, physical therapists, dietitians and speech language pathologists are just a few.

Fleshman points out two of the most interesting aspects of the program are that there are no income guidelines — anyone can get assistance — and that the services are provided in the child’s natural environment so he or she can benefit from learning during daily routines.

Most children involved develop out of the program or are transitioned into another program where they continue to get the assistance they need. Some children transition into Head Start or a special needs preschool.

Fleshman works to promote the program in Mercer, Raleigh, McDowell and Wyoming counties, and works with local community baby pantries and baby shower events to raise supplies. Area baby pantries ensure that young children in the area get the supplies and nutrition they need to develop.

These pantries, such as Dream Center in Beckley (304-252-3402), the Good Samaritan in Fayette (304-465-8911) and Family Resource Network (304-923-4280) may be contacted directly by those wishing to donate funds or supplies.

Parents, physicians, teachers and other child guardians who wish to refer a child to the Birth to Three program should call the statewide toll-free number 1-800-321-4728 to be directed to regional partners to schedule an evaluation with area practitioners.

— Email: splummer@register-herald.com