Office of Special Education
Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program

Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program (BCITP) provides services for families of children birth through 36 months of age who have, or may have, developmental disabilities, delays, or special health needs. BCITP services are collaboratively provided by the Baltimore County Department of Health, Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore County Department of Social Services and other public and private agencies. Infants and Toddlers referrals are made by calling the Single Point of Entry for Baltimore County at 410-887-2169.

As of February 1, 2010, Baltimore County began implementing Maryland’s Extended IFSP Option.  This option allows families of children who have received BCITP services and are eligible for preschool special education services, the choice to continue to receive services through an IFSP or to begin receiving services through an IEP.  If the family chooses to continue services on an IFSP, the family may choose to continue to receive those services until the child turns four, providing that the child remains eligible.  For more Information please contact your service coordinator or our Single Point of Entry office at 410-887-2169.

 

Mission
Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program’s mission is to support families within their communities as they facilitate their children’s learning and development.

Service providers, interagency and community partners collectively demonstrate their commitment to this mission by the following actions:

  • Developing partnerships with families using flexible and collaborative interventions to facilitate children’s successes in their homes and communities;

  • Developing partnerships with community organizations and professionals to provide access to comprehensive community based experiences for families; and

  • Actively seeking to learn from families, community organizations, and other resources to enhance program excellence.

What is the Process?

  • Single Point of Entry staff members will request initial information over the phone.

  • An Infants and Toddlers service provider will contact the family to schedule an assessment for eligibility.

  • If the child is determined eligible for services, Infants and Toddlers service providers and the family will jointly develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) defining the services necessary to meeting the family and child outcomes.

Who is eligible for services?
Any infant or toddler, birth to age three, residing in Baltimore County who experiences a developmental delay of 25%; experiences atypical development; or has a diagnosed physical or mental disability that puts the child at risk for developmental delay is eligible for services.

 

Who may refer a child?
Anyone may refer a child to the Single Point of Entry. Most children are referred by their families, but many referrals are received from pediatricians, child care providers and others. Services are voluntary for families.

 

What is the cost for services?
There are no costs for families for BCITP services.

 

What services are available?
Based on the individualized needs of the child and family, BCITP may provide any of the following services:

  • Assistive technology

  • Audiology

  • Developmental monitoring

  • Educational instruction

  • Individual/family counseling

  • Nursing

  • Occupational therapy

  • Physical therapy

  • Service Coordination (community linkages and case management)

  • Speech therapy

  • Social work

How Do I Access These Services?
Simply call the Single Point of Entry at 410-887-2169 to make a referral.

 

Additional Resources

Family Guide to Early Intervention

Understanding the IFSP

Family Guide to Next Steps

Building IEPs with Maryland Families

The Baltimore County Local Interagency Coordinating Council Dates

 

Helpful Websites

http://www.marylandlearninglinks.org/

http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/

www.mdecgateway.org - A resource for providers and families with young children with disabilities, birth through five (MSDE site)

www.nectac.org – National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center

www.the-eco-center.org – Provides information related to the implementation of outcomes systems for early intervention and preschool special education

 

Preschool transition resources

Let’s Go to Preschool: PT, OT, and Speech
Let's Go to Preschool: Riding the Bus
IEP Meeting
 

 

Program Locations
The Early Childhood Gateway

 

Sally Chapman
 Specialist, Infants and Toddlers
Paula Boykin
 Supervisor, Birth to Five