Evaluation and Intervention for Birth-3
Early On - Birth to Age 3
Early On is Michigan's system for helping infants and toddlers, birth to age 3 and their families who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays due to certain health conditions. It's designed to help families find the social, health, and educational services that will promote the development of their infants and toddlers with special needs. Early On emphasizes early identification and early referral to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities, to minimize their potential for delay, and to recognize the significant brain development that occurs during a child's first three years of life.
If you have concerns or questions about your infant or toddler's growth, learning or social development, don't worry, but don't wait. You are entitled to a free evaluation through Early On (age 0-3).
What can I expect if my child is eligible for services?
Research has changed what Early On services should look like today. No longer should your home visit involve a provider taking a toy bag to your home to work directly with your child. We know that is not how your child learns best. Children learn best from their parents and caregivers in everyday activities - like diapering, bathing, eating meals, dressing, shopping and playing with siblings. You know your child best, so you and your Early On provider will be working closely together on each home visit to figure out learning opportunities in your daily activities. Our focus is to support you in helping your child learn and participate in the things you do and the places you go. You will be provided guidance and support on how to use everyday activities to promote learning so that your child is receiving the best quality intervention.
Intervention = comes from the child's natural caregivers, who are usually parents and other caregivers. You provide the most effective practice, encouragement and guidance for your child to help him/her succeed.
Service = the professional activity from your Early On provider to ensure you have interventions you can use all the time between home visits, when child learning really happens.
Make a Referral
Place an Early On referral (age 0-3) by completing an online form at Early On of Michigan or by calling 1-800-Early-On (1-800-327-5966).
Free developmental questionnaire
If you do not want to make a referral, but are still curious about your child’s development, you can take a free developmental questionnaire thanks to Help Me Grow Washtenaw.
Do you have a 3, 4, or 5 year old struggling to learn?
Special education services may be available for your 3, 4, or 5-year-old through your local school district. There are a range of conditions that could potentially impact a child's learning ability including, speech/language impairment, cognitive impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, emotional impairment, traumatic brain injury, hearing or visual impairment, Early Childhood Developmental Delay or a specific learning disability. Intervening early can in many cases resolve, or at least limit, a child's roadblock to learning.
If you would like to request an evaluation for your preschooler, please complete a request form.
If you are concerned about your 3, 4, or 5-year olds development and would like to request a Special Education Evaluation, contact Help Me Grow Washtenaw at (734) 994-8186.
