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Early intervention is key in educational development

“Early On” is the state of Michigan’s early-intervention program for which the Copper Country ISD is responsible for providing services in Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.

The program focuses on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the basic and brand-new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life. Some of these skills include rolling, crawling, walking, learning, talking, playing, feeling happy, eating and dressing. This is a free program for families.

Research has shown that by addressing delays early on we can have a greater impact on a child’s development. The earlier a child gets services to address a delay, the more time there is to have an impact on the family’s outcomes.

Anyone can make a referral to Early On if there are concerns about a child’s development. To make a referral call 1-800-Early-On or complete an online referral at www.1800earlyon.org. Many referrals come from physicians and other local service agencies such as the Western Upper Peninsula District Health Department. When Early On receives a referral, the family will be notified of the referral. Each case is assigned to a service coordinator who will make contact with the family, explain the program and complete the evaluation if the family consents.

If a child is eligible for Early On, the service coordinator will work with the family to write an Individualized Family Service Plan often referred to as an IFSP. The family’s strengths and choices about the services they are interested in are used to write goals to meet the child’s needs. The service coordinator will also work with the family to connect them to services in the community, such as those provided by the health department, Early Head Start, outpatient therapists and doctors.

The services are provided in the home or in a community location that works best for the family. Early On is designed to coordinate services to help families support their child’s development. We believe that parents are the child’s first teacher and have the greatest impact on the child’s success. Early On focuses on the development of a child’s ability to interact socially, get their wants and needs met, and gain knowledge and use new skills.

The Copper Country ISD provides a wide range of services based on the child’s needs. Some services may include speech and language therapy, physical therapy, cccupational therapy or special instruction. Based on a child’s level of need they may also be eligible to receive special education services. We work with outside agencies to prevent duplication of services and to streamline the services that families receive.

The Copper Country ISD has three full-time Early On/Early Childhood providers, along with multiple part-time service providers. This is just another example of our commitment to help our whole community.

If you have questions about Early On, please contact Kristina Penfold, Early On Coordinator at the Copper Country ISD by calling (906) 487-5946.

George Stockero Jr. is the superintendent of the Copper Country Intermediate School District.

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