What is Babies Can't Wait? 

Babies Can't Wait is Georgia's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.

It is a federally mandated program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which provides a framework for coordinating developmental, educational, and community supports within natural environments for children under 3 years of age and their families.  Babies Can't Wait, which is administered by the Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, has served Georgia's children since 1987.

Seventeen percent of US children have developmental disabilities, and many more experience delays in language or cognition, which have a significant impact on school readiness.  Less than 50% of these children are identified as having a problem before starting school, by which time significant delays may have occurred and opportunities for intervention have been missed.

Babies Can't Wait needs to work closely with physicians and health care providers to identify these children and their families may receive the supports they need.

Cartersville City School system coordinates transition meetings with BCW staff before a child's 3rd birthday to discuss continuation of services and testing needs.  Contacts for BCW are provide on our site.

Department of Public Health - Babies Can't Wait