| Program Name | Ages | Plan | Synonyms | Assessments | Relevant Datasets | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early On | 0-3 | IFSP | IDEA Part C, The Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, EO | Part C Assessments | Early On for assessments and services. K12 Student for demographics | Covers children from birth until their third birthday (with some allowances for continuing in their third year). The IFSP involves parents, teachers, and doctors to best serve the child. |
| Special Education Services | 3-22 | IEP | IDEA Part B, SES | Mi-Access (starts grade 3) | K12 Student for Special Education enrollment and demographics; Alternative assessments (MI-Access) data for assessment scores | Specific to education-related services and the education space. |
| Early Childhood Special Education Services | 3-5 | IEP | IDEA Part B section 619, ECSE | Early Childhood Special Education Assessments | Early On for assessments (ASSESSMENT_TOOL, OUTCOME_ and IS_OUTCOME_ variables); K12 Student for demographics | This program is mutually exclusive with Part C. |
| Michigan Mandatory Special Education | 0-25 | IFSP (0-3; IEP (3-25) | Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, MARSE, MMSE | Part C Assessments; Mi-Access (starts grade 3) | Early On for assessments; K12 Student for Special Education enrollment and demographics | MMSE is not generated from a federal law such as IDEA, but is Michigan-Specific. Has different eligibility thresholds. Students may receive MMSE and IDEA services at the same time. |
In Michigan, Early On is coordinated by intermediate school districts (ISDs) whereas Early Childhood Special Education and Michigan Mandatory Special Education services are coordinated by school districts. The State of Michigan provides details on how MDE provides these services.
What is IDEA Part C?
IDEA Part C or The Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities is a federal grant program that assists states in operating a comprehensive statewide program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities, ages birth through age 36 months, and their families. For details, see here.
What is IDEA Part B?
Part B of IDEA relates to services for school-aged children. Services for school-aged children with developmental disabilities (3 through 21 years of age) are provided free of charge through the public school system.
Individualized Family Service Plan & Individualized Education Program
An individualized education program (IEP) is a written document for students with disabilities ages 2.5 through 25 years that outlines the student's educational needs and goals and any programs and services the intermediate school district (ISD) and/or its member district will provide to help the student make educational progress. For more details on IEP Development & Implementation, see here.
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written document developed for young children (ages birth to 3 years) by representatives of several agencies (education, health and human services), professionals, service coordinator and parents. This plan describes the early intervention services that will be provided to the child and family.
An IFSP is based on an in-depth assessment of the child’s needs and the needs and concerns of the family. IFSP typically contains:
- information on the child’s present level of development in all areas
- outcomes for the child and family
- services the child and family will receive to help them achieve the outcomes.
Services available through the IFSP are usually provided in the child’s home. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that services are to be provided in the child’s “natural environment.” This could include a child care setting, Early Head Start, preschool, or other community setting in which young children without disabilities would typically be found.
What is the difference between an IFSP and IEP?
The major difference between an IFSP and an IEP is that an IFSP focuses on the child and family and the services that a family needs to help them enhance the development of their child. The IEP focuses on the educational needs of the child. It focuses on special education and related services in schools. An IFSP is much broader, involves the family more, and may include professionals from several disciplines in planning for the child. For more details, see here.
What is the process of enrolling a child in Early On?
- Child is referred for Early On. This can be from a physician’s office, childcare worker, social worker or a family member. The Early On team contacts the family and asks for consent to evaluate.
- The Early On team meets with the child and the family: The Early On team evaluates and assesses the child and determines eligibility.
- After the child's evaluation and assessment are complete, eligible children and their families participate in an IFSP meeting with their Early On service coordinator and write an IFSP.
- Child starts receiving Early on Services.
For more information, see here.