Early On is a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated interagency system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers birth to age three years 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 two 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 two 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.

Contact: Nancy Peeler