Child Care Licensing
Early learning and development program resources for all children, birth to age eight, especially those in highest need.
Resources for Michigan’s Out-of-School Time programs and providers.
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Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages three through five, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). Through its 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) Michigan's ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young children with disabilities should receive services in typical community-based early childhood settings and programs whenever possible, and only go to more restrictive or specialized settings when their individual needs require it.
If you have questions about special education, contact the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education information line at 888-320-8384.
2024-2025 Estimated Special Education Preschool Allocations
IDEA, Part B, Section 619 Allowable Cost Guide
Special Education Prior Approval Request Form (PDF)
Proportionate Share Allowable Costs & Guidance
Proportionate Share Preschool (pg 2) and Flowthrough Calculations Template - PDF fillable form
COSF Professional Development for New Staff
Early Childhood Inclusion Joint Position Statement of the Division for Early Childhood and the National Association for the Education of Young Children
Michigan Updated Preschool Educational Environment for Children Ages 3-5 with IEPs (June 2021)
OSEP 2017 Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Letter (January 9, 2017)
Preschool Inclusion Collective Action Plan
Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
Additional inclusion resources can also be found at https://www.eotta.ccresa.org/Resources.php?id=3306&Resources=1
Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education and Early Intervention Services
Build Up Michigan - Learning Support for Preschoolers
Family Matters - What is the Special Education Process?
Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Office of Early Education Main Phone Number: 517-241-7004
Manager, Birth to Five Early Childhood Special Education
Janet Timbs, 517-245-9406
Part B, Section 619 Coordinator
Mark Kuipers, 517-855-8658
