The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh

Babies Can’t Wait

Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) is Georgia’s Early Intervention program serving children with significant developmental delays, or children who may be at risk for delays due to a diagnosed medical condition. The program provides services to children from birth to age three and their families. Early Intervention was established under Part C of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Act.

Babies Can’t Wait is a voluntary program and there are no financial eligibility requirements. The staff of BCW provides free evaluations to determine eligibility. Service coordination is also a free service. Other services through the BCW program include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive technology devices, audiology, family training and counseling, nutrition services, psychological services, special instruction and vision services. BCW staff includes a behavior specialist, family therapist, licensed registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, licensed dietitian, orientation/mobility specialist, psychologist, and social worker.

All referrals to Babies Can’t Wait come through Children First, the single point of entry for all Children’s Special Services programs. You may use the referral form at the Children First site or just call in the referral to the number below. A Service Coordinator will then contact the parent to set up an intake meeting to explain the program and do a developmental screening. If indicated, additional evaluations will be done to determine eligibility for Babies Can’t Wait. Then the Service Coordinator will write an Individualized Family Service Plan with input from the parent and the evaluators. This plan will identify the goals, what services are needed, who will provide the services and payment. The Service Coordinator can also provide information about other resources such as parent support groups, conferences and workshops, other funding sources for equipment, etc.

For more information, call 912-644-5804.
Click here to download a fillable referral form: Children First Fillable Referral Form
Our fax number is 912-349-2326.