Babies Can't Wait
“Babies Can't Wait (BCW) is Georgia's statewide interagency service delivery system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. BCW is established by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which guarantees all eligible children, regardless of their disability, access to services that will enhance their development. Additional information about IDEA and national efforts supporting the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the law is available through the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center.
The Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Public Health is the lead agency administering the Babies Can't Wait Program in Georgia. The Division ensures that: services are provided in accordance with federal guidelines; families have access to the services which are needed to enhance their child's development; and training is available to ensure that professionals who work with children and families have up-to-date information.
Babies Can't Wait is administered through 19 District offices throughout the state. Through the 19 offices, children and families in every county in Georgia can access early intervention services. Anyone can refer a child to Babies Can't Wait. In order to refer a child to BCW for an evaluation, contact the district office which serves the county in which the child and family reside. You may use the Children With Special Needs Coordinator Contact List for information on how to reach local Babies Can't Wait Programs.
How to Contact the Program
BCW has a statewide directory of information managed by Parent-to-Parent, Inc. of Georgia. The directory provides information about the BCW Program located nearest to the child and family. To access the directory, call 1-800-229-2038 or (770) 451-5484 in Atlanta. The State BCW Office number is (404) 657-2726 or toll free: 1-888-651-8224. You may also use the
Children With Special Needs Coordinator Contact List for information on how to reach local Babies Can't Wait Programs.” - Above text taken from http://health.state.ga.us/programs/bcw/index.asp
During the past year, members of GOTA have asked questions regarding the new coaching model under development for the state Babies Can?t Wait (IDEA Part C) early intervention system. These questions have been posed to Leslie Jackson, Federal Affairs Representative and Practice Associate of AOTA and staff from the state office for Babies Can’t Wait. Click here to view this information.
