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The Importance of Early Intervention

A mother smiles while signing with her baby sitting in front of her in a circle of adults sitting on the floor.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Partnering Early for a Strong Language Foundation

Early intervention, sometimes called early involvement, is the first step in connecting your family with an educational team to support you and your child who is deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). This team can help you find the right services, resources, and guidance on your journey.

Every family’s path is unique, and it may take unexpected turns along the way. Having a trusted team by your side can make a big difference in helping you navigate decisions and build a strong foundation for your child’s language and future.

Getting started with early intervention as soon as possible allows you to work with providers who will help you set meaningful goals for your child and connect you with tools to reach them. Early interventionists can also guide you in supporting your child’s language and communication development—often through simple strategies built right into your everyday routines at home.

Research shows that early involvement leads to stronger language development and better communication outcomes. Early support truly has a lasting impact.

English: Eight Reasons to say YES to Early Intervention [PDF]

Spanish: Ocho razones para decir SÍ a la Intervención Temprana [PDF]

Assessments for Stronger Language Outcomes

One important benefit of early intervention is having a team by your side to help support and explore ways to reach the goals you have for your child. These goals are unique to your child’s strengths, needs, and your family’s priorities. A key part of this process is assessment; assessments are a tool that helps create a clear, personalized plan for your child’s development. Assessments can show how your child is growing, what areas might need extra support, and track progress over time. They come in many forms, like observations, checklists, and questionnaires. As a parent, your role in the assessment process is essential. You know your child best, and your insights help build a complete picture of who they are and how to support their communication, learning, and growth.

The page below includes American Sign Language translation as well as printable versions of the information in English and Spanish.

Learn more: Five Reasons to Say YES to Assessments in Early Intervention

Michigan Early Intervention Services

In Michigan, programs that support development before kindergarten vary depending on the age and needs of your child. Connect with your local early intervention services through Early On Michigan (birth to 3) or Build Up (ages 3-5) to locate your educational team. You can work with your team to explore additional options and local resources that may support your child’s journey.

  • Two toddler girls playing in classroom setting

    Early On (Birth to 3)

    Early On is Michigan's early intervention system for helping infants and toddlers, birth to age 3 who have a disability, developmental delay(s), or are at risk for delay(s) due to certain health conditions, and their families.

  • The Michigan School for the Deaf multi-story building with one portion that is mostly windows.

    Michigan School for the Deaf  Early Childhood

    Michigan School for the Deaf’s Early Childhood program, for children ages 2 ½ to 7, provides a language-rich academic environment that supports each child at their level and provides the tools they need to thrive.

  • three preschoolers in a classroom at a table smiling and reading a book together

    Early Childhood Special Education (Ages 3-5)

    Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to eligible young children, ages three through five.

  • Smiling young boy holding book and toy while parents smile at him

    Build Up

    Build Up helps parents and their children, ages 3 through 5, get additional educational support as they begin and continue to learn the skills needed to enter kindergarten.
  • Three preschoolers and teacher sitting on the floor playing with blocks

    Great Start Readiness Program

    Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s free PreK program for eligible four-year-olds. Ranked #1 in the US, GSRP is a safe place where children learn how to get along with others, share, take turns, and make friends.

  • Children gathered outside with arms around each other

    Help Me Grow

    Help Me Grow connects families with local community resources to help children, prenatal through age five, to thrive. Whether you need preschool, childcare, playgroups, parent support, or local activities, Help Me Grow can get you connected.