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Education, Michigan Department of
Early Childhood – Great Start Readiness Program:
In December 2011, eighteen focus groups were held across the state with parents, providers, advocates and DHS local office staff regarding the Child Development and Care (CDC) program. The Office of Great Start commissioned these focus groups to collect the perspectives of those in attendance on the strengths and weaknesses of the current CDC application and eligibility determination process, and to hear directly from key stakeholders on how to improve the CDC program.
Special Education: Office of Early Childhood Education and Family Services
MSDS has posted the Preschool Educational Environment Codes. They are posted as part of their 2011-2012 business rule spreadsheets at the Center for Educational Performance Information (CEPI) website.
What Are Preschool Services and Where Are They Located?
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. Through its 57 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.
What Services Are Provided?
When the IEP is developed and agreed upon by the IEP Team, it is essential to identify the setting, or Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), in which the child's special education and related services and needs can be met. Appropriate settings for preschool children can include a preschool special education class, local preschool program or local Head Start program.
Early Child Special Education – Contacts
Office of Special Education
Phone: (517) 373-0923 (Main)
Special Education Inquiries: 1-888-320-8384
Email Special Education
Noel Cole, Coordinator
Email Coordinator
Phone: (517) 241-6354
Early On Program
Each State in the U.S. has an early intervention system. In Michigan, it is called Early On. This system of early intervention services is for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, and their families. Early On ® serves infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months with developmental delay or conditions that could lead to such delay. It has been well established that early intervention is an effective way to prevent or reduce problems for children at a later age.
Early On® Michigan is the system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delays and/or disabilities. Early On supports families as their children learn and grow. Early On specializes in evaluating and treating children that are not developing at the same rate as other children. This can include physical, mental, communication, adaptive, social or emotional development.
Early On is offered by the Michigan Departments of Education, Community Health and Human Services. If you suspect your baby's development is delayed or something is not "quite right" call one of the Early On contacts listed below for a free assessment. If a contact is not listed for your county, please visit Bridges4Kids. Early On assists families with infants and toddlers, from birth until they turn 36 months or 3 years of age, who may be experiencing delays in development or if they have a diagnosed disability
Early On Program
Michigan Department of Education
13109 Schavey Road, Suite 4
Dewitt, MI 48820
Phone: 1-800-EarlyOn (1-800-327-5966)
TTY: (517) 668-2505
Early On Program Phone Contacts by County:
Allegan County – (269) 673-2161
Barry County – (269) 945-9545 ext. 33
Berrien County – (269) 471-7725 ext 169
Branch County – (517) 279-5813
Calhoun County – (269) 954-9426
Cass County – (269) 445-6209
Kalamazoo County – (269) 373-3279
St. Joseph County – (269) 467-5344
Van Buren County – (269) 674-8091
State Coordinator for NCLB (No Child Left Behind)
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child Left Behind) is a landmark in education reform designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools. President George W. Bush describes this law as the "cornerstone of my administration." Clearly, our children are our future, and, as President Bush has expressed, "Too many of our neediest children are being left behind." Under No Child Left Behind, each state must measure every public school student's progress in reading and math in each of grades 3 through 8 and at least once during grades 10 through 12. By school year 2007-2008, assessments (or testing) in science will be underway. These assessments must be aligned with state academic content and achievement standards. They will provide parents with objective data on where their child stands academically.
Contact NCLB:
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services
Phone: (888) 320-8384 (Toll Free)
Please visit our website or Contact Us for more information:
Michigan Department of Education:
