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Birth to Five

General Information/Referral

The Birth to Five Program provides supports for learners aged Birth to Three enrolled in Washington’s Part C program- Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) as well as supporting Preschoolers aged Three to Five. The Washington State School for the Blind’s Birth to Five Program is committed to providing specialized services for young learners who are blind or have low vision, no matter where they live in the state. It is well documented in research of learning, that almost 80-90% of what a child learns early on in life occurs using vision and incidental learning.  When a child does not have vision, or has low vision, they will still learn, explore the world, and build meaningful relationships with their families, however they may do this in a different way, with the use of other senses.  Early identification and timely supports are critical to partnering with children and their families so they can reach their full early learning potential.

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Older and younger student with a white cane

 

Birth to Three

Who should be referred to WSSB for Birth to Three blind and low vision support and services? 

  • Any child from birth to 2 years, 11 months may be referred for consultation when there is a vision diagnosis or when there is suspicion that vision may be impacting development or access to their environment. A formal diagnosis from a pediatric ophthalmologist is not required to initiate a referral.
  • The WSSB Birth to 3 Program partners with local ESIT Provider Agencies (EPAs) to support families and IFSP teams in accessing blind and low vision services. Based on the child’s needs, services may be provided by a local provider or directly through WSSB, with consultation available whenever vision-related concerns arise.

Who can refer a child to WSSB for Birth to Three vision support and services?

What do services and supports look like?

  • One-time consultations to explore concerns regarding a child using their vision or other sensory modalities.
  • Evaluation and ongoing services from certified Teacher of Blind and Low Vision Learners and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) through individual contracts with an ESIT Provider Agency (EPA).
  • Professional development opportunities (group and individual) for early support teams regarding the unique learning style of children who are blind or have low vision.
  • Information and support for families that focuses on working together, respecting what matters most to each family, supporting everyday interactions, and helping families connect with one another.
  • Pathways to ESIT blind low vision services
Three to Five

Outreach | Washington State School for the Blind

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