Michigan’s Early Intervention Specialists Help Identify Learning Challenges–Birth to Age 5

Michigan’s early intervention specialists evaluate and manage the developmental delays and disabilities of children from Birth to age 5. These specialists work with families, caregivers, and other professionals to create customized strategies to meet a child’s needs. The type of “Early Interventionist” varies from early childhood special education teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist to speech-language pathologist.

The early interventionist starts by evaluating the child through interactive play sessions inside the child’s home. During these sessions, the professional may assess several facets of development, including physical, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, and adaptive abilities. 

After the assessment, the early interventionist creates custom treatment plans. The plan addresses the child’s immediate and long-term strengths and difficulties. The plan helps problem-solving and social skills through interactive games to engage the child.

According to Danya Stump, an early childhood consultant at Oakland Schools in Waterford Township, Mich., “I go into preschool classrooms and help teachers and staff members come up with supports including visual schedules–things like that to help students who just need a little extra support to be successful in school.”

“It’s essential to have family involvement because they’re the parents, right? So they know their child best,” said Stump. “It’s nice when families and teachers have a great relationship, and families are seeking out that information of what to do at home to help fill in some of these delays.”

The early interventionist helps monitor the child’s growth and progress. They engage in regular assessments and ongoing communication with the family to track certain milestones. By working with the family, early intervention specialists aim to maximize each child’s support and growth.