Michigan's Early On Program Receives Federal Distinction

Federal recognition highlights Michigan’s commitment to supporting infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced that Michigan has received the highest possible distinction for the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, known as Early On. This marks the second consecutive year Michigan has earned this recognition.

“This distinction reflects the dedication of our Early On providers and partners across Michigan—and our unwavering commitment to ensuring families can access support when they need it most,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We’re proud of the strides we’ve made and remain focused on expanding access, improving outcomes and making sure every child has the strong start they deserve.”

Early On is Michigan’s early intervention system designed to support infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have developmental delays, disabilities, or health conditions that put them at risk. The program connects families with essential social, health and educational services that promote children’s development and help them reach their fullest potential.

Early On also empowers family members and caregivers with the resources and support needed to enhance children’s learning and development through everyday opportunities and routines. 

In recent years, Michigan has continued to build on its commitment to early intervention for more children and families. Early On received $23.67 million in the state’s fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 budget, and the Governor’s FY 2025-26 Executive Recommendation proposes an additional $28.4 million to expand access and deepen support for families during the critical early years of a child’s development.

The “Meets Requirements” rating from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) for implementation of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is based on a combination of compliance indicators and results indicators, including child outcome data and completeness of reporting. Michigan’s overall score for the 2025 determination (reflecting 2023-24 program year data) is 87.5%, exceeding the 80% threshold required for a “Meets Requirements” distinction. 

• Compliance Score: 100% (16 out of 16 possible points).

• Results Score: 75% (6 out of 8 possible points).

• Data Completeness: 81.61%, up from 75.68% last year, and a significant improvement from 56.16% two years ago.

This distinction represents more than just strong performance— it reflects meaningful impact for Michigan’s children and families. For families, it means timely access to coordinated services, greater support in navigating their child’s needs, and the reassurance that they are not alone. For children, it ensures early access to developmental opportunities and support that help them learn, grow, and thrive during their most critical years of development.

“Behind every data point is a family with a child full of potential and a team committed to opening doors,” said Sophia Lafayette-Lause, director of Early Learning and Family Supports at MiLEAP. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done that brought us this far, and even more hopeful about the opportunities we’re creating together for families across Michigan.” 

MiLEAP’s Office of Early Education, Birth to Five Early Childhood Special Education will continue partnering with local service areas to improve outcomes for infants and toddlers through targeted strategies, supports and services.