Birth To Three
Newborn Screening
The Idaho Infant Toddler Program
The Idaho Infant Toddler Program (ITP) is responsible for coordinating early intervention services for children between birth and three years of age in Idaho who have developmental delays or conditions that may result in a delay. The program aims to support the overall development of these children and provide assistance to their families.
ITP connects eligible children and their families with a range of services to address their specific needs. Some of the services provided through the program include:
- Family education: Providing information and resources to help families understand and support their child’s development.
- Speech therapy: Addressing communication challenges and improving language skills.
- Occupational therapy: Assisting children in developing the necessary skills for daily activities and promoting independence.
Service coordination: Coordinating and ensuring the delivery of appropriate services to the child and family. - Family training: Equipping families with skills and strategies to support their child’s development.
- Counseling: Offering emotional support and guidance to families.
- Home visits: Providing services and support in the child’s home environment.
- Health services: Addressing health-related needs and coordinating medical support.
When a child is referred to the Infant Toddler Program, an assessment is conducted to determine their eligibility for the program. If the child is eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed. The IFSP outlines the specific services and supports the child and their family will receive and is reviewed every six months to ensure its effectiveness. When the child reaches three years of age, the ITP assists in their transition to a developmental preschool program or other community services suitable for their ongoing needs.
The Idaho Infant Toddler Program plays a vital role in supporting the early development of children with delays or conditions that may impact their development, while also providing valuable resources and support to their families.
Visit the Idaho Infant Toddler Program Here
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families/about-infant-toddler-program
Newborn Screening In Idaho
The State of Idaho requires that all babies born in the state undergo newborn screening. This screening involves two tests that are performed shortly after birth to identify the presence of certain disorders, including Phenylketonuria (PKU) and other conditions that can lead to intellectual disability or other serious health issues.
The screening procedure, commonly known as the “newborn screen” or the “newborn blood spot screen,” is mandated by the Idaho Legislature. It is important to note that the screening in Idaho encompasses more than just PKU. Currently, Idaho screens for over 46 different conditions.
For more information you can visit the About Newborn Screening page. To download the infographic below as a fully-text-readable PDF file click here,
Newborn Hearing Screening
Idaho Sound Beginnings
Idaho’s newborn hearing screening program is called Idaho Sound Beginnings.
Hearing loss is the most common birth disorder in newborns. It affects how your baby perceives sound and is able to communicate with you and the world. Much can be done if hearing loss is identified early. If you need financial assistance please contact us prior to having any testing done.
Contact Idaho Sound Beginnings if you have questions about newborn hearing screening, diagnostic testing, or Early Intervention. If you need financial assistance, please contact prior to having any testing done.
Idaho Sound Beginnings provides training, technical support, and quality assurance to newborn hearing screening programs in every birthing center in the state.
ACT Early Idaho
Act Early Idaho helps families and professionals monitor children’s development and identify concerns early. Monitoring children’s development is the first and most important step in identifying children who may need additional supports.
Act Early Idaho also has several great resources on their page. There’s a great virtual developmental monitoring training available for Birth-to-three and from three-to-five years old
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive!
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! is a coordinated federal effort to encourage healthy child development, universal developmental and behavioral screening for children, and support for the families and providers who care for them.
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! will help families and providers:
- Celebrate milestones. Every family looks forward to seeing a child’s first smile, first step, and first words. Regular screenings help raise awareness of a child’s development, making it easier to expect and celebrate developmental milestones.
- Promote universal screening. Just like hearing and vision screenings assure that children can hear and see clearly, developmental and behavioral screenings track a child’s progress in areas such as language, social, or motor development.
- Identify possible delays and concerns early. With regular screenings, families, teachers, and other professionals can assure that young children get the services and supports they need, as early as possible to help them thrive alongside their peers.
- Enhance developmental supports. Combining the love and knowledge families have of their children with tools, guidance, and tips recommended by experts can make the most of the developmental support children receive.
