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Early On Michigan, Detroit Lions Foundation Team up to Promote Literacy
October 20, 2025
Videos available for media use
Parents can be game changers in helping children build foundation for success
LANSING, Mich. – Early On Michigan and the Detroit Lions Foundation are teaming up to provide a winning game plan using social media to promote and enhance literacy and language practices for children and families across Michigan. Through the FY26 budget, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) received $23.6 million for Early On to continue providing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
“Parents should never have to wonder if their child is on track without resources to turn to for support,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Early On helps families get answers and support right away. Partnering with the Detroit Lions Foundation gives us an even bigger platform to remind families across Michigan that asking questions early can make all the difference for a child’s future.”
A statewide campaign will utilize video on social media platforms to engage parents of children ages 0-3 years and will highlight how everyday literacy practices, early identification and support can make a lifelong difference for children.
“Every child deserves the best start in life, and Early On helps families lay the foundation for success,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director overseeing the Office of Early Education at MiLEAP. “The Detroit Lions Foundation partnership allows us to connect with more families and make sure they know help is available when they have questions or concerns about their child’s growth and development.”
“We know families are active on social media, so we’re showing up in those spaces in a big way,” Laidlaw added. “It’s all about making sure messages about early literacy reach families where they are so they have the tools and support they need right from the start.”
Early On is Michigan’s early intervention system designed to support infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have developmental delays and/or disabilities. The program supports families by connecting them with developmental services that nurture children’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional and other areas of growth. More information is available at https://www.1800earlyon.org/.
“This initiative underscores the Detroit Lions Foundation’s long-standing commitment to empowering youth through education,” said Roxanne Caine, vice president of the Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations. “We’re honored to work with Early On Michigan to promote the tools and resources parents need to help their children both learn and love to read.”
And much like what happens on game day, Lions players are leading the charge to support the collaboration between Early On Michigan and the Detroit Lions Foundation.
“Every parent can be a game changer because early reading can transform a child’s life,” said Penei Sewell, a Detroit Lions offensive tackle. “This partnership between Early On Michigan and the Detroit Lions Foundation can help families and caregivers find the resources they need to do that.”
Sewell, a father of three young children, is vice chairman of the Sewell Strong Foundation, dedicated to supporting initiatives focused on education, counseling, career opportunities and more.
“Every parent wants to be an MVP (Most Valuable Parent) for their child,” said Laidlaw. “And just like the Lions, it takes everyday practice to get there.”
Those everyday practices are different at different developmental stages.
Infants should be playing with sounds, imitating vocalizations, using gestures and pointing to pictures.
Toddlers should be engaged in interactive book-sharing and introduced to print concepts, while using voices/expressions and connecting words to real life.
Children in preschool should be reading aloud, extending conversations and asking open-ended questions.
“MiLEAP is proud of the strides we’ve made and remains focused on expanding access, improving outcomes and making sure every child has the strong start they deserve,” Laidlaw said.
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About MiLEAP
Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
About Early On Michigan
Early On Michigan is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have developmental delays and/or disabilities. Serving more than 20,000 children and their families each year, Early On partners with parents and caregivers to support their child’s growth and development through everyday routines and activities. The program provides individualized services and supports designed to help children reach their full potential.
About the Detroit Lions Foundation
The Detroit Lions Foundation is changing the game for Lions communities by investing in strategic partnerships to empower youth for lasting, transformative change with a focus in our hometown of Detroit. Through fundraising, grant making and events, we seek a Lions community in which all youth can achieve their fullest potential. Information about how to get involved, programming and more is available at www.detroitlions.com/foundation.
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