1. MDE
  2. Early Learners and Care
  3. Special Education 0-5

Early On® Michigan

Early On Logo
When a baby is born, every parent hopes that he/she will have a healthy baby.  Sometimes, however, things don't go as planned.  The baby may be ill or may seem slow in doing things such as smiling, sitting up or speaking.  Early On specializes in evaluating and treating children that are not developing at the same rate as other children.  This can include physical, mental, communication, adaptive, social or emotional development.

If you have a concern about a baby's health or development, Early On serves infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months with developmental delay or conditions that could lead to such delay.  It has been well established that early intervention is an effective way to prevent or reduce problems for children at a later age.  Call 1-800-EarlyOn (800-327-5966) to confidentially discuss concerns.

Early On is offered by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) as the state lead agency.  MDE collaborates with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in implementing the Early On system.

For more information about Early On, please go to https://1800earlyon.org.  To make a referral, click on "Referral Form."

Referral Form

Early On Vision

Infants and toddlers who are enrolled in Early On reach their fullest potential, successfully transitioning to the next phase of life, with empowered and supportive families.

Early On Mission

Early On builds upon and provides supports and resources to assist family members and caregivers to enhance eligible children's learning and development through every day learning opportunities.

Public Comment Requested

The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Great Start/Early Childhood Development and Family Education, requests public comment on the draft Michigan Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (known as Early On Michigan) Federal Fiscal Year 2021 application. The period of public participation extends from February 19, 2021, through April 22, 2021, with a window of public comment being accepted only March 12 through 5 pm, April 12, 2021.

To view the draft application and details on how to submit comments, please click on this link:  FFY21 Part C of IDEA Public Comment web page.

Early On - Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds

Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Early On GEER Allocations PDF icon

COVID-19

To access all COVID-19 updates, go to the MDE website at www.michigan.gov/mde. 

Additional early childhood information and resources can be found on MDE's COVID-19 Early Childhood Information and Resources page. 

For more information on statewide efforts, please visit the coordinated Michigan Coronavirus website.

State School Aid Act Section 54d

Fiscal Year 2021

2020-2021 Early On State School Aid Section 54d Allocations PDF icon
2020-2021 Early On State School Aid Section 54d Important Application Information PDF icon
2020-2021 Instructions for Completing Application for FY21 Section 54d Funds PDF icon


State School Aid Act Section 54d Non-Supplanting Requirement Q&A PDF icon
State School Aid Act Section 54d Questions from the Field (posted 9-21-18) Excel format

Application for FY19 Section 54d of the State School Aid Act Funds for Early On Webinar Recording
If you would like a copy of the PowerPoint, please contact Cheryl Najm at najmc@michigan.gov or 517-335-1580.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Public Reporting of Data

Federal regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at Section 303.702(b)(1)(i)(A) require public reporting on the performance of each early intervention program on the targets established in the State Performance Plan for each of the priority areas for Part C (Birth through age 2), Early On Michigan. Data may also be found on www.mischooldata.org by clicking "Download Early On (Part C) Public Report Spreadsheet" under "Special Education - Annual Public Reporting - SPP" then choosing "Special Education Summary" located in the top navigation menu.

Specific questions regarding the Early On or infant/toddler content of the Public Report should be addressed to MDE-SPP-Public-Reporting@michigan.gov or 517-241-7004. If you have difficulty with the public reporting website, please email CEPI@michigan.gov. 

FFY18 Michigan Part C Public Reports (published May 2020)  (Excel format)

Resources

Early On Michigan Organizations

Early On Policies

Family Resources

Federal Reports/Performance

Federal Resources  

State Resources
Many procedural documents are also posted on the Early On Training and Technical Assistance website:  http://eotta.ccresa.org.

Staff

Janet Timbs, Manager, Birth to Five Early Childhood Special Education
517-335-4865
timbsj@michigan.gov

Laura Goldthwait, Consultant
517-241-6988
goldthwaitl@michigan.gov 

Kelly Hurshe, Consultant
517-241-8309
hurshek1@michigan.gov 

Colleen O'Connor, Consultant
517-241-4291
oconnorc1@michigan.gov  

Barb Schinderle, MICC Liaison
schinderleb@michigan.gov  

Cheryl Najm, Department Analyst
517-335-1580
najmc@michigan.gov