What's New? ~ Contact Us ~ Submit a Referral ~ Site Map ~ Translate

What is Early On Michigan?

Information Topics

List of the Chairpersons of State and Jurisdictional ICCs Under IDEA

Early On Michigan Overview

Early On Michigan is a system designed to coordinate early intervention and other services for families who have children (ages 0 - 36 months) experiencing developmental delays or who have disabilities or special needs.

If you suspect your child has a developmental delay or an associated medical condition or disability, contact Early On Michigan to get connected with a local coordinator to see if your child is eligible for services. 

Early On Michigan services can include:

Speech pathology, audiology, occupational therapy, psychological services, service coordination, diagnostic medical services, early identification, screening, assessment services, health services, nursing services, social work services, vision services, special equipment, nutritional counseling, transportation, counseling (family, group, individual), family skills training, home visits, and special instruction.

More about Early On:

What services does Early On offer?

Early On Coordinators are located in each county and are available to help a parent decide if they want to enter the Early On system.

1. Evaluation
If suspected that the child has a developmental delay or a condition that could lead to such delay, an evaluation is initiated. (The child may not have to repeat an evaluation if an evaluation has already been completed by a different agency.)

2. Individualized Family Service Plan
If the child is eligible for Early On services, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed. The IFSP addresses the developmental needs of the baby as well as the needs of the family in helping the baby.

3. Service Coordination
An Early On Service Coordinator helps the parent coordinate the services outlined in their baby's plan.

4. Implementation
Services outlined in the IFSP are implemented with permission of parent.

What is the cost?  Are there any income restrictions?

There is no charge to families for an evaluation, the development of an IFSP or service coordination. Most services outlined in IFSP are available at no cost, but that is determined individually. Early On is available regardless of income.

Why is Early On a leader in developing relationships?

Family-centered care is the set of beliefs and principles that are the foundation for Early On. Family-centered care is a new way of thinking about and working with children and their families. At the heart of family-centered care is the recognition that the family is the constant in the child's life. Family-centered care builds equal partnerships between families and professionals and promotes trust and respect. Family-centered care honors the priorities, choices, and resources of the family.

Both families and professionals think that working with this set of beliefs and principles will create the brightest futures for our children and families.

Early On is a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated interagency system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers birth to age 36 months with disabilities and their families. In Michigan, Early On is coordinated by the Michigan Department of Education and provides services under Part-C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
 
An outreach system which includes the components of public awareness, inquiry, screening and referral was established. Every local health department has at least one professional in place who is designated as its liaison to help families access Early On services. Any family concerned about the development or health of their child can access the system by contacting a local agency or by calling 1-800-Early On.
 
Local communities receive funding through their local Intermediate School District (ISD) to implement Early On. Each local ISD jurisdiction has an interagency coordinating council (comprised of individuals from human service agencies, parents, educators, and other agency personnel who serve families) that guides implementation locally. Implementation is also guided through local memoranda of understanding between education, mental health, public health, and social services.

Infants and toddlers from birth through age 36 months who need early intervention services because they are experiencing developmental delays and/or have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay are eligible.

At a state's discretion, children age birth through thirty-six months of age who are at risk of developmental delay may also be eligible.

 
Available services include assistive technology device; audiology; family training, counseling, and home visits; health services; medical services; nursing services; nutrition services; occupational therapy; physical therapy; psychological services; service coordination services; social work services; special instruction; speech-language pathology; transportation and related costs; and vision services.
To the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the child, Early On services will be provided in natural environments including the home and community settings.

 
Monies are allocated based on the number of infants and toddlers eligible for Early On services within each ISD and a base grant (based on size and numbers) for administration and coordination functions.
Early On is a family-focused process, with emphasis on family strengths and abilities, which requires the development of an individualized family service plan specific to each enrolled family, based on the findings of a multidisciplinary evaluation of the child and family.
 

Want more information?