WASHTENAW

 

Families are very important for the growth and development of their children.  But…. no two families are alike.

 

When a child has a medical or physic problem or is developing slowly, Early On can help the family find the special services they need.

 

Early On is made up of all the agencies, schools, child care providers, hospitals, clinics, private physicians, therapists and family representatives who work together to help families find services.  The family-centered, coordinated service they provide help infants and toddlers grow and develop.

 

Who Can Receive Early On Services?

Families with children from birth through age three (0-36 months) who:

· Have medical problems, or

· Are behind others their age in one or more of the following:

· Physical development (movement, hearing, vision, etc.)

· Communication

· Learning ability

· Self-help (feeding, dressing, etc.)

· Social or emotional development

Children in all types of families are eligible:  biological, foster & adoptive.

 

What are Early On Services?

Early On includes many different services to help infants and toddlers who have special needs.  It also helps families find the services they need.  Many Early On services are offered at no charge, including the evaluation/assessment of the child, coordination of services and an individualized family service plan (IFSP).

 

The services included in the IFSP are those needed by the family to help the child, such as:

· Special instructions (teaching)

· Physical and occupational therapy

· Speech therapy

· Nursing services

· Home visits

· Social work

· Parenting classes and counseling

· Transportation to early intervention services

· Parent-to-parent support

· Parent/child playgroups

· Newsletters for families

· Applications for financial help with medical/other costs.

· Help from community organizations and resources, such as churches and groups that provide emergency food and shelter, etc.

· Other services, as needed

 

How Much Do Early On Services Cost?

There is no charge for many Early On services.  Others are partly or totally paid for by insurance.  A fee is charged for some services, often based on the family’s ability to pay.

 

How Does Early On Help Families?

Early On helps different families in different ways.  A few of the ways are:

· Helping parents understand what to expect of babies and toddlers at different ages.

· Helping families find out more about a baby’s medical or developmental problems, and learn how to help the baby.

· Getting help for a baby who isn’t gaining weight or a two-year-old who isn't talking yet.

· Linking parents with other parents who have been through a similar experience.

· Finding special equipment for a baby (and helping find a way to pay for it).

 

For more information, please contact:

Pam Schelkun - Email Ms. Schelkun                                              

Milan Area Schools                                                 

(734) 439-5151                                                                       

 

Diane Zendan - Email Ms. Zendan

Special Education Director

WISD

(734) 994-8100, ext. 1531

 

Resource Websites:

Early On - Washtenaw

Early On - Michigan

Project PERFORM (Parent Experience and Resources: Family Outreach and  Referral Model): Serving families with children and young adults with special needs.

 

Source:  Washtenaw Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers (WICCIT) 2001-2002 Pamphlet.

If you  have any questions or comments about the website, please contact troutm@milanareaschools.org.