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Early Intervention for Ages Birth - 3

infant laying on bed with head propped on hand

Early Intervention for Ages Birth - 3

Early On

Don’t worry. But don’t wait. It is natural to worry if your child needs help and what others might think. But getting your child extra help now could make a big difference in how well they do in school and later in life.

Early On Michigan can help you give your child their best chance for success. If your child is developing slower or has ongoing health issues, we can help. There is no cost for qualified children and their families.

Get Early On Information
young boy wearing hearing aid head-to-head and nose to nose with mom outside
mom kissing feet of infant laying on bed
infant sitting on floor playing with abacus
mother and father sitting on floor with baby sitting between them
provider and young girl with prosthetic leg playing with blocks

Who is Eligible for Early On?

Early On is available for Michigan families with children, birth to age three, who have a 20% diagnosed delay. Eligible delays include, but are not limited to:

  • Delays in speech and language
  • Deaf or trouble hearing
  • Blind or trouble seeing
  • Autism
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Sensory and behavioral delays
  • Delayed movement skills
Learn About Early on Eligibility
dad and mom sit at table with young boy and girl sitting on table

How Do You Apply for Early On?

The Early On process starts with a referral, which can be made by anyone, including your family, no prescription is necessary. This is simply a request to have a child evaluated to see if they are eligible. To start your referral, call 1-800-EARLY-ON (1-800-327-5966) or submit your Early On referral online.


Once your referral has been submitted, you will receive consent forms. After you have reviewed and submitted these forms, the next step is an evaluation of your child for eligibility. If an eligible medical condition exists, your child is eligible with no further evaluation needed. Otherwise, an evaluation of your child’s development can be done in your home or the local school district.

Find out More with the Early On Family Guidebook

Find Early Learning Resources

Ages 0 – 3 are the most crucial for a child’s development. Early learning starts now, in your baby’s first year. Learn simple steps, like talking, reading, singing, playing, and interacting with them on a daily basis.

Steps Family Toolkit

Visit Michigan Alliance for Families

This is your guide to special education, providing information, support, and education for Michigan families about special education services. Find resources, disability specific information, and upcoming events of interest

Michigan Alliance for Famillies

Get Milestone Tracker App

For an easy way to keep track of when your child should reach certain milestones, download the free Center for Disease Control Milestones Tracker app. The App also includes activities and learning tips for each age and an area where you can keep track of all your doctor appointments.

Get Milestone Tracker App

Get Positive Parenting Tips

Find parenting tips for every age from the Center for Disease Control website. Learn things you can do with your child to help them develop and get them ready to succeed in school and later in life.

Get Positive Parenting Tips