Early Childhood Program Awarded MAASE Grant to Support Language Development Through Play at Kalamazoo RESA

 An innovative grant awarded by the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is helping expand learning opportunities for young learners in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classrooms. 

Rachel Hufnagel, a speech-language pathologist serving in Early On and at Kalamazoo RESA’s West Campus ECSE preschool, received the $500 grant at the end of 2025 for her proposal titled “Increasing Joint Attention & Engagement Through Use of Diverse Switch Adapted Toys.”  

The grant supports the creation of a small library of switch-adapted and cause-and-effect toys designed to increase joint attention, engagement, and early communication skills among students. Many children in ECSE classrooms are still developing joint attention and social engagement with peers and adults—skills that are foundational to language development. 

Purchased items include a handheld aromatherapy fan, a light-up musical car, and a gumball machine toy. These simple, engaging tools help students understand cause-and-effect while encouraging interaction with teachers and peers in meaningful ways. 

“It was so incredible to be awarded this grant,” said Hufnagel. “Knowing that my proposal was meaningful enough to be selected makes me feel happy that other professionals see and understand the importance of supporting our youngest learners in ways that meet them right where they are.” 

The toys are now housed on a dedicated classroom shelf, giving staff an accessible starting point for supporting new students or those continuing to develop early communicative skills. The grant not only enhances instructional resources but also reinforces the importance of play-based, developmentally responsive approaches in early childhood special education. 

MAASE, a statewide organization that supports special education administrators, offers grants to eligible professionals through member districts. Jennifer Sova, Hufnagel’s supervisor, is a MAASE member, making staff eligible to apply.