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History of Wisconsin's Birth to 3 Program
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Beginning in 1987, in response to Part H of Public Law 99-457 (the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA), Wisconsin initiated a five-year planning and development process, "Birth to Three," to develop and expand early intervention services provided to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
The Birth to Three Program goals were to develop a consistent, comprehensive, community-based, statewide system that promotes a family-centered approach to early intervention. It would emphasize family strengths and incorporate informal and community resources. The system would ensure cooperative planning between the state and counties, promote uniformity of interventions available across the state, and involve the ducation, health, and social service systems.
Over time, the state legislation was written and moved through committees to the legislature's affirmative vote, and, subsequently, to then-Gov. Tommy Thompson's signature in February, 1992.
Ten Years of Birth to 3 in Wisconsin
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