It takes a village

Early On and Community Resources

Learning Goals

1. Build understanding about Michigan’s early intervention system, Early On.
2. Increase knowledge about various community resources.
3. Understand what impact can be made if supports and interventions start sooner.

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What is Early On?

Early On Parent Video

Authorized by Law

Early intervention is available in every state and territory of the United States.

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires it–Part C of IDEA.

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That’s why you’ll sometimes hear early intervention referred to as Part C.

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Part C = Birth to 3 years

Part B = 3 to 21 years

Eligibility for Early On Services (0-36 months)

• Established condition (i.e., a physical or mental condition likely to lead to a delay)
• Developmental Delay:
• Under 2 months of age - any delay
• 2 to 36 months of age - 20% in one or more areas
• Michigan Mandatory Special Education:
• 13 categories

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Michigan Mandatory Special Education (MMSE)

What is a birth mandate state?

-Michigan, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska

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When does Special Education start?

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Early Childhood Special Education

Build Up (3-5 yr)

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• 13 categories
• Child Find

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Preschools

Community Services

• Health Departments

MIHP

Healthy Families

WIC

CSHCS

Community Services

• Community Mental Health

Autism/ABA

Developmental Disabilities

Mental Illness

Community Services

• Dept of Health and Human Services

Medicaid

Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, Housing

Prevention Program

CPS & APS

How do I make a referral?

miearlychildhood.org

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Scenarios

• Sebastian, his mom, and his two year old brother , Samuel, come in for parent-teacher conferences. His mom is carrying Samuel and sets him down on the floor with a few toys. Samuel is crawling but not yet walking. What program might help?

Scenarios

Your student, Celine, has missed a lot of school this year. She lives with her father and his father’s girlfriend. They are expecting a child in January. They share with you that this is her first baby. What program might help?

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Why does Early Intervention matter at school?

Early Intervention improves:

• Social emotional skills
• Behavior
• Empowered parents

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And that doesn’t count the money…

• $11 return for every $1 invested in social emotional learning
• $2-$10 saving in health and juvenile justice costs

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What does that mean for kindergarten?

• Some teams have been with the family for 3-5 years already
• Current data, action plans, behavior supports
• Information gathered from birth - onward
• Example: strong behaviors in kindergarten, reviewed EO file to find significant exposures trauma. Able to refer to whole child team to get supports in place.

What our parents say:

Second grader with ASD exiting Special Education: “She Graduated! We Cried! None of this would have been possible with you. We are forever grateful.”

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Student with Apraxia transitioning to HS: “You helped me and encouraged me through one of the worst things I have dealt with…my daughter’s speech was devastating to me and you were always kind and patient.” “She went from Early On to Preschool speech, so when she went to kindergarten going to speech was a normal part of her routine.”

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Student with ASD starting school: “It’s all the magic of Early On. Michele and Amber changed our lives.”

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Student with ASD in kindergarten: “In my personal experience as a parent, I would say that the Early On program was absolutely essential in providing [my son] those preliminary services and assessments that helped me a reach a more informed decision on how I should be approaching his academics going into Kindergarten. I am forever grateful!”

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Student with ASD: “ We felt so alone when we got [our daughter’s] diagnosis. We don’t have a ton of family support. We didn’t know what all the steps were or how to help her through some of the challenges she has faced transitioning to school. Through the program we were able to get a good idea of what school would look like for her. The program helped us start early with some of the things they do in school such as structured meals, and incorporating other children into playtime. It also helped us develop realistic expectations for her as well as showing us are options for her once she transitions into school. We really are grateful for everyone who is on her team and has been our support throughout the last couple of years.”

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What our school staff say:

Elementary Principal: “By addressing developmental needs early, these services build essential skills and confidence, setting children up for success in school.This foundation ensures that children continue to receive the support they need as they enter preschool/kindergarten and establishes a partnership with the local school and families.”

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Kindergarten teacher: “Early intervention services are essential in preparing children for kindergarten. Early On supports the development of skills such as language, social interaction, and cognitive abilities laying a strong foundation for future learning. By addressing developmental delays and enhancing strengths at a critical stage, children are more likely to enter kindergarten with confidence and readiness. Early interventions also equip families with resources and strategies to support their child's growth, fostering an environment which creates lifelong learning and success.”

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Questions?

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Michele Cochrane, Early On Coordinator 989-275-9537

cochranem@coorisd.net

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Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance 989-275-9528

gracen@coorisd.net