Babies Can't Wait

The purpose of Babies Can't Wait is to:

• Provide early identification and screening of children with developmental delays and chronic health conditions.
• Improve the developmental potential of infants and toddlers birth to age three, with developmental or chronic health conditions.
• Support family members and caregivers to enhance children's learning and development through everyday learning opportunities

BCW serves Georgia children from birth up to their third birthday, regardless of income, who meet one of the following criteria:

1. Have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that is known to result in a developmental delay, such as blindness, Down syndrome, autism, spina bifida (Category 1) or;
2. Have a diagnosed developmental delay confirmed by a qualified team of professionals (Category 2).

To determine if your child is eligible, he or she will be evaluated in the following areas:

• Physical: health, hearing, vision
• Cognitive: thinking, learning, problem-solving
• Gross and fine motor skills: moving, walking, grasping, and coordination
• Communication: babbling, languages, speech, conversation
• Social and emotional: playing and interacting with others
• Adaptive development: self-help skills, (i.e. feeding, toileting, dressing)

Click on the Conditions Database to determine if your child’s diagnosis meets automatic BCW eligibility. 

Look up your child’s condition on the Conditions Database to determine whether the diagnosis meets automatic eligibility.

If your child is determined eligible, a team of service providers will work with you to address your child's needs. As part of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, you will collaborate with your team to develop outcomes and goals that will be added to your child’s plan based on their initial evaluation information as well as the priorities and concerns you may have for your child.

Services are provided during your child's daily activities within their natural environment (home, daycare, etc.) to ensure natural learning opportunities are maximized while still meeting your child's everyday needs.

Find a Babies Can't Wait (BCW) program in your county by using the Early Intervention Coordinator Locator.  Referrals to BCW can be made by phone, email, fax, letter, or in person.

Steps to complete a referral:

1. Complete the Children 1st Screening and Referral Form (PDF Form).
2. Submit the form to the local BCW office that serves the county where the family resides or call your local BCW office and they can take the referral by phone.

Note: Parental consent is not required to make a referral, however, referral sources are encouraged to talk with the parents before referring a child to BCW.

Frequently Asked Questions  about the Babies Can't Wait program.

Download the BCW Program Brochure (PDF - English and Spanish)