What is Birth to Three?

The Muckleshoot Birth to Three (B3) Program provides accessible early screening and therapeutic services for Native infants/toddlers up to three years old residing within the Muckleshoot reservation boundaries or any Muckleshoot child living in Southeast King County. Screening and evaluation identifies early difficulties in the areas of communication, cognitive (thinking/ problem solving), physical (gross & fine motor), social/ emotional and adaptive (self-help) development.

The B3 Program provides a safe nurturing environment that promotes the language, physical, social/emotional, adaptive and cognitive development of young children. Children have the opportunity to explore their native heritage through singing/drumming and exposure to the Native language. The B3 Program is currently housed at the Muckleshoot Early Childhood Education Center and has a variety of options to serve you and your family. Families can participate through a variety of programs. Options available are:

• Individual sessions- for infants/toddlers to receive services at home, community setting (daycare, park, local center) or in the B3 center. These are scheduled on an individual basis depending on the needs of the child/family.
• Group sessions-
  • Baby Group- for infants birth to eighteen months. BG is one time a week for one hour. A parent or caregiver must attend with the child. Currently BG meets on Tuesdays from 11am to 12pm.
  • Toddler Classes- for toddlers between the ages of eighteen to thirty-six months. Toddler classes are twice a week for two hours each session. There are currently four classes available a Monday/ Tuesday; AM and PM and Wednesday/ Thursday AM and PM. AM classes are from 9 to 11am and PM from 1 to 3 pm. Child is placed in class depending on availability and location of pick-up and drop-off.

The B3 program is federally funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and locally funded by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. The B3's primary function is to provide early intervention services to children with developmental delays or disabilities. Funding from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe allows typically developing infants/toddlers to participate in the program to support their peers as peer models.

The first 5 years of life are very important to children because this time sets the stage for success in school and later life. If you would like more information on the B3 program, would like to schedule a FREE developmental screening, or are interested in having your child participate in the program, please call (253) 876-3056.