What is Babies Can’t Wait?
Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) is Georgia’s early intervention program overseen by the Georgia Department of Public Health. It’s Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and serves infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have developmental delays or diagnosed conditions that are likely to cause delays. BCW is designed not only to identify and address developmental concerns early, but also to support caregivers and families by integrating help into everyday life. Georgia Department of Public Health
A central goal of BCW is to improve the developmental potential of very young children, by providing coordinated services that assist in the child’s growth across key areas: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive (which includes self-help skills like feeding, toileting, dressing), and motor skills. Georgia Department of Public Health
Who is Eligible and What Services Look Like
Eligibility is quite broad: BCW serves children from birth until their third birthday who either (1) have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that is known to result in developmental delay (such as Down syndrome, autism, etc.), or (2) demonstrate developmental delays confirmed by a qualified evaluation team. Income is not a determining factor. Georgia Department of Public Health
When a child is found eligible, an evaluation is done in multiple developmental domains: hearing, vision, physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, fine and gross motor, and adaptive development. Based on that evaluation, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed in partnership with the family. Georgia Department of Public Health
Services happen where the child spends time naturally: in the home, daycare, preschool, or similar environments. This is to ensure that learning is embedded in everyday routines, which tends to lead to better outcomes. Families/caregivers are key partners; part of BCW’s model is helping them enhance children’s development through daily interactions. Georgia Department of Public Health
Why Early Intervention Via BCW is Crucial
Early intervention matters a lot because the first three years of life are a period of rapid brain development. Experiences during this time have a huge impact on how neural pathways are formed. When delays are identified early, services like those provided by BCW can help prevent gaps from growing larger and harder to remediate later. ● Gains in communication, social skills, cognitive abilities are more easily achieved the earlier the support starts.
Without such early support, children with developmental delays risk falling behind in school readiness, communication, social interactions, and self-help skills. These delays not only affect the child, but also put stress on families, as they attempt to navigate services on their own or wait for help. BCW attempts to reduce that stress by offering coordinated, accessible early evaluation and therapy services.
How BCW Helps Families Navigate Early Intervention
BCW does more than just direct services for children; it’s built around family involvement. The IFSP process means that parents/caregivers are included in defining the priorities and concerns for their child. The services are delivered during daily routines so that families can incorporate strategies themselves—not just rely on external therapists. Interventions may include speech-language therapy, feeding/swallowing supports, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more, depending on what the child’s evaluation shows.
Because Georgia’s BCW is a state program, there is consistency and oversight — they have conditions databases for automatic eligibility for certain diagnoses, clear referral and screening procedures, transition services as children approach age three, and materials available in English and Spanish. This structure helps reduce barriers to access and helps ensure children are evaluated and supported promptly. Georgia Department of Public Health
