One child may develop a skill at a different time or in a different way than another child of the same age. This does not necessarily mean that one child is "slow" or the other child is "advanced".

If you have concerns about an infant or toddler’s talking, feeding, walking, handling toys, seeing, hearing or playing alone or with others, you can call the Child Development Infoline (CDI) at 1-800-505-7000 to discuss your concerns.  You may also use the Referral Form on this website.  The child development experts at CDI will help callers with their concerns, and make sure that infants and toddlers who may be significantly delayed are given appropriate, comprehensive services as early as possible.

Anyone can refer a child about whom they have developmental concerns.  If you are not the parent of the child referred, Birth to Three will seek parent consent before proceeding with the referral.  You will receive a letter indicating whether or not the parent agreed to have their child evaluated, and which program will complete the evaluation.  However, eligibility results will not be shared without written parent consent.  If the parent agrees to release information, the signed form should be given to the child's Birth to Three program. 

Eligibility Requirements

Children under the age of three who live in Connecticut are eligible for the Birth to Three System when they either:

• are experiencing a significant developmental delay, or
• have a diagnosed physical or mental condition with a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay (diagnosed conditions list).

Expanded Eligibility effective July 1, 2007

Connecticut’s Birth to Three System does not serve infants and toddlers who are at risk of delay due to environmental causes. Children who are evaluated and found not to be eligible are offered participation in a monitoring program upon parental consent, and are referred to other community programs.

Screening

The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for Autism Spectrum Disorders at 18 and 24 months of age.  The Connecticut Birth to Three System frequently uses the M-CHAT to screen.

• English M-CHAT
• Spanish M-CHAT

What is a "Significant Developmental Delay"?

The professional assessment team that meets with the family and young child may use one or more normed and standardized instruments to evaluate the child’s strengths and needs. Specific areas of development that are evaluated include:

• cognitive development
• physical development, including vision, hearing, motor and health
• communication development
• social or emotional development
• adaptive skills development (known as self-help or daily living skills)

Eligibility is limited to those children under age three who show a developmental delay of two standard deviations below the mean in one area of development, or one and one-half standard deviations below the mean in two areas of development.

To request a Birth to Three Information Session in your office, fill out this form and fax to 860-418-6003.

To request Birth to Three outreach materials for your office or child care center, fill out this form and fax to:  860-418-6003 or email your request to:  eileen.mcmurrer@ct.gov.