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Early Intervention (Birth-Age 3)

About Us

Milestones Early On is the Early On system for the Eastern Region of Wayne County (i.e. Grosse Pointe, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, and Highland Park).

Early On is Michigan's system for helping infants and toddlers, birth to age 3 and their families who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays due to certain health conditions. 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.

Early On emphasizes early identification and early referral to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities, to minimize their potential for delay, and to recognize the significant brain development that occurs during a child's first three years of life. 

Phone: 313-432-3800

Email: bracefk@gpschools.org

Address: 20090 Morningside Dr., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

CLICK HERE to Make an Early On Referral 

"Don't worry. But don't wait."

What Does Early On Look Like Today?  

Research has changed what Early On services should look like today.  No longer should your home visit involve a provider taking a toy bag to your home to work directly with your child.  We know that is not how your child learns best.  Children learn best from their parents and caregivers in everyday activities - like diapering, bathing, eating meals, dressing, shopping and playing with siblings. 

You know your child best, so you and your Early On provider will be working closely together on each home visit to figure out learning opportunities in your daily activities.  Our focus is to support you in helping your child learn and participate in the things you do and the places you go.  You will be provided guidance and support on how to use everyday activities to promote learning so that your child is receiving the best quality intervention. 

Intervention = comes from the child's natural caregivers, who are usually parents and other caregivers.  You provide the most effective practice, encouragement and guidance for your child to help him/her succeed. 

Service = the professional activity from your Early On provider to ensure you have interventions you can use all the time between home visits, when child learning really happens. 

Seven Key Principles for Providing Early Intervention Services in Natural Environments

  1. Infants and toddlers learn best through everyday experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar contexts.
  2. All families, with the necessary supports and resources, can enhance their children's learning and development.
  3. The primary role of a service provider in early intervention is to work with and support family members and caregivers in children's lives.
  4. The early intervention process, from initial contacts through transition, must be dynamic and individualized to reflect the child's and family members' preferences, learning styles and cultural beliefs.
  5. IFSP outcomes must be functional and based on children's and families' needs and family-identified priorities.
  6. The family's priorities, needs and interests are addressed most appropriately by a primary provider who represents and receives team and community support.
  7. Interventions with young children and family members must be based on explicit principles, validated practices, best available research, and relevant laws and regulations.

- Source: Workgroup on Principles and Practices in Natural Environments ◆ OSEP TA Community of Practice- Part C Settings