At Penfield Children’s Center, we believe that the earliest years, from pregnancy through age 3, are the most powerful window we have to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Right now, we’re asking you to stand with us in protecting and expanding access to Wisconsin’s Birth to 3 Program, a life-changing early intervention service for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Since 1975, Penfield has been a leader in delivering Birth to 3 services in Wisconsin. Every year, we serve thousands of children, meeting them and their families in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. We walk alongside them with expert care, compassion, and hope.

But we are facing a crisis. Statewide enrollment in Birth to 3 has grown by 19% since 2020, yet state funding has not increased. Meanwhile, counties, who bear the brunt of costs, are reaching a breaking point. In Milwaukee County alone, we’ve seen a 75% decrease in providers over the last decade. Penfield is one of the few still standing.

We’ve filled a $500,000 annual funding gap through fundraising and dipping into our reserves, but this is not sustainable.

That’s why we are calling for a $10 million increase in General Purpose Revenue for the Birth to 3 Program beginning in 2026.

Why This Matters

•  Early intervention works. Children like Grace, who you’ll read about below, began showing developmental delays at five months, were able to enter kindergarten without special education services because of early support. 
• It strengthens families. Research shows that parents of children in early intervention experience higher confidence and satisfaction in their parenting role.
  
  
• It’s cost-effective. Every dollar invested in early intervention saves significantly more by reducing the need for more intensive and expensive services later in life.

Voices from the Frontlines

“I just want Henry to be the best Henry he can be.”

That’s what one father shared during an evaluation with our service coordinator, Rebecca Folkman. We hear these hopes every day.

Rebecca is often the first person a parent speaks with when their child is referred to the Birth to 3 Program. She builds relationships, helps families navigate their options, and empowers parents to become confident advocates for their child.

“We do so much more than just provide therapies for the children” Rebecca says. “We get to celebrate victories, support during challenges, and assist with the transition to whatever the parents want to see for their child after age 3.”

Early intervention doesn’t just help children. It supports families, too. Rebecca shares, 

“Mothers of low birthweight, premature infants who received early intervention services scored significantly higher on the scales of maternal self confidence and maternal role satisfaction. Our parent coaching approach empowers the parent and gives them the tools to help their children reach their goals.”

Kate Easton, a longtime service coordinator and special education teacher, has worked with families in the Birth to 3 Program for over 30 years.

“Supporting parents from birth to age three doesn’t just help children in the moment—it can change the entire trajectory of their educational journey, reducing the need for costly special education services later on.” she says.

Kate remembers working with a child named Grace. At just five months old, Grace’s parents noticed delays. Although their pediatrician advised them to wait and see, they trusted their instincts and enrolled Grace in early intervention. By the time Grace turned three, she was meeting milestones and didn’t require special education services when she entered kindergarten.

This is what early support makes possible.

Stories like Henry’s and Grace’s are why we are calling for a $10 million increase in funding for the Birth to 3 Program starting in 2026.

Penfield’s approach to Birth to 3 combines education, partnership with families, and expert care. Learn more about how the Birth to 3 Program works and who it supports.

We know that when we give families the tools to support their children early, we lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning, growth, and achievement.

How You Can Help

We need our state leaders and our strongest advocates like you to join us in championing this cause. The time to act is now.

• Take Action to support increased funding for Birth to 3 in Wisconsin
• Donate to help close the funding gap and continue providing life-changing support to families in need

Let’s work together to ensure every child gets the strong start they deserve.