Every parent looks forward to their baby's first smile, first words, and first steps. But what happens when a child is behind in reaching those milestones? If you are worried that your child "seems behind" compared to other children of the same age, it might be time to contact Early On.
Early On is Michigan's early intervention system for helping infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age who have a disability, developmental delay(s) or are at risk for delay(s) due to certain health conditions, and their families. It's designed to help families find the social, health, and educational services that will promote the development of their infants and toddlers with special needs.
To understand whether you should refer a child, learn more about typical development by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Learn the Signs, Act Early campaign.
View the updated Early On Established Conditions List one-pager and a list of Established Conditions that indicate automatic eligibility for Early On supports and services.
If you think your infant or toddler may have a developmental delay or a pre-existing medical condition, contact Early On at 1-800-EarlyOn (800-327-5966) or complete the online referral form: Referral Form.
Early On is offered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) as the state lead agency for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). MiLEAP collaborates with various departments including the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in implementing the Early On system.
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 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.
MiLEAP requests public comment on the proposed Michigan Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Early On) Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025 application. The FFY2025 application will be publicly posted for review beginning March 17 to May 16, 2025, with a window of public comment being accepted beginning Monday, March 24 and ending Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. Click on the following link for the FFY2025 application and public comment instructions: Part C Notice of Public Comment.
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 "DownloadEarly On(Part C) Public Report Spreadsheet" by choosing the pages K-12 Grade, Special Education, and Annual Public Reporting.
Specific questions regarding the Early On or infant/toddler content of the Public Report should be addressed to Janet Timbs at timbsj@michigan.gov. If you have difficulty with the public reporting website, please email CEPI@michigan.gov.
FFY22 Michigan Part C Public Reports (published May 2024) (Excel format)Fiscal Year 2025 Application Documents
Office of Early Education Main Phone Number: 517-241-7004
Manager, Birth to Five Early Childhood Special Education
Janet Timbs, 517-245-9406
Early On Consultants
Gina Birnbaum, 517-855-0320
Laura Goldthwait, 517-275-1978
Kelly Hurshe, 517-245-3584
Colleen O'Connor, 517-275-1977
Part B, Section 619 Coordinator
Mark Kuipers, 517-855-8658
MICC Staff Liaison
Barb Schinderle
Early On Departmental Analyst
Cheryl Najm, 517-335-1580
