Early On
Early On is an early intervention program for infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities, or who may be “not on track” in their development.
Early On services are designed to help your baby or toddler learn and grow, while also supporting you as a parent. If you have any concerns about how your little one is developing (for example, if they are not sitting up, walking, talking, or interacting as expected for their age), Early On can assist with evaluating your child and, if eligible, providing services to address those concerns. Best of all, Early On is free for families.
Early On in Kalamazoo County is coordinated by KRESA in partnership with local school districts and community agencies. Our Early On team includes developmental specialists, teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, infant mental health specialists, and other professionals experienced in working with very young children.
How to Obtain Services
If you have concerns about your baby or toddler’s development, contact Early On for a referral. Anyone can make a referral: parents, doctors, childcare providers, or relatives. The easiest way is to call us at (269) 250-9649 and speak with our Early On team. You can also fill out an online referral form.
Once we receive your referral, an Early On service coordinator will call you to schedule an evaluation at a time that works for your family. There’s no cost, no doctor’s prescription needed, and no harm in checking – sometimes a small delay now can be caught up with just a little extra help. We’re here to answer your questions too. Even if you’re just unsure whether your baby is on track, give us a call – we can talk through your concerns and determine if an evaluation is recommended.
Help Me Grow
Would you like to talk with a care Coordinator that can help you find answers to your questions or get you connected to early childhood resources?
Click on the button below to fill out an online form, or text or call (844) 464-0005 to get started!
What to Expect
The first step is a free developmental evaluation. If you suspect your child may have a delay, contact Early On for an evaluation. Our team will assess your child’s skills in areas like communication, motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and self-help skills. We will work with you to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that outlines the specific goals for your child and the services we will provide.
Services are provided in your child’s natural environment, which usually means a home visit. An Early On specialist will come to your home (or daycare, or even meet via video chat if you prefer) to work with you and your child. During visits, we focus on coaching and teaching parents simple activities and strategies you can use during everyday routines to encourage your child’s development. For example, we might show you exercises to strengthen your baby’s muscles for crawling, or play-based techniques to promote your toddler’s language skills.
Contact Information
- Phone: (269) 250-9649
- ¡Se habla español! Los hispanohablantes pueden llamar al (269) 250-9660.
- Early On Referral