The document discusses Utah's statewide early intervention system called Baby Watch, which provides support and services to families of children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. It notes that research shows early intervention positively impacts child outcomes. It also summarizes that the program has seen a 49% increase in children served since 2013, but without more resources for direct services, the frequency and intensity of services per child will decrease. The document requests $2.7 million in ongoing funding to sustain the program's current service levels.

1. BABY WATCH EARLY
INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Birth to Three Development

2. WHY EARLY
INTERVENTION?
 Research has shown that birth to three Early
Intervention services positively impact
outcomes across developmental domains,
including health, language and
communication, cognitive development and
social emotional development.
Families benefit from Early Intervention by
being able to better meet their children’s
special need from an early age and
throughout their lives.
Intervention is more effective and less costly
when it is provided earlier in life rather than
later.

3. VALUE OF EARLY INTERVENTION
• 78% of the children receiving EI services in Utah in
SFY16 are living in low-income families.
• 77% of children exiting in past three years showed
improvement in their knowledge and skills and
their development moved closer to typically
developing peers.
• Early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder
through universal screening.
• Screening in several areas such as, health,
hearing and vision, CMV and Post-Partum
Depression.
Early identification lessens the effects of disability and
developmental delay.

4. GROWTH EXCEEDING PROGRAM
CAPACITY
• 49% Increase in
total children
served since
SFY13
Referred*
Total Served**
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
SFY 13 SFY14 SFY15 SFY16
6,173 6,582 6,939 9,226
8,964
10,798
11,485
13,384
*Includes 16% CAPTA referrals
**Includes total referred, eligible,
enrolled children
• Without additional
resources for direct
service staff, the
frequency and intensity
of services delivered to
children and families is
reduced

5. The statewide Early Intervention system provides support and
services to families of children, birth to age three years, with
developmental delays or disabilities.
Bureau of Children with
Special Health Care Needs
Baby Watch Early Intervention
Program
15 Local Agencies
Authorized by Part C of the
Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA)
School
Districts:
• Davis
• Jordan
• San Juan
• Weber
Non-profits:
• DDI Vantage
• Kids on the Move
• Kids Who Count
• Easter Seals Provo
• Prime Time for Kids
• Learning Center for Families
County Health:
• Central Utah
• Summit County
Universities:
• Southern Utah
University
• Up to 3, USU
• South East, USU

6. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SERVICES?
 Referred children receive a FREE
comprehensive evaluation from a
multidisciplinary team of professionals
to assess current development and
determine eligibility for services.
 Infants and toddlers under the age of
three who have a delay in one or
more areas of development or a
diagnosed condition may be eligible.

7. COMPREHENSIVE EARLY
INTERVENTION
SERVICES
 individualized to meet child and
family’s unique needs
 provided by licensed and
credentialed professionals
 family-centered to help parents
support their child’s development
 coordinated across agencies and
systems
 offered in the child’s home and
community settings
 Speech-language
 Nursing
 Physical Therapy
 Occupational Therapy
 Psychology & Social
Work
 Nutrition
 Assistive Technology
 Audiology & Hearing
 Vision

8. PLEASE SUPPORT THE $2.7M
REQUEST FOR BABY WATCH
EARLY INTERVENTION
In this difficult budget year, the Governor’s
proposed increase will make one-time
funding ongoing and keep program funding
level.
In the future, additional funding will be
needed for programs to sustain this growth.