It’s back-to-school time for many children, but the educational journey of our youngest students can start right at home.

A baby’s brain grows and changes dramatically during the first three years of life. It is important to watch for milestones of development. (Are they rolling over, crawling, babbling, responding to your voice?) Sometimes a child meets milestones later than expected. That is where the C.O.O.R. ISD Early On team can help.

Our Early On team helps families of infants and toddlers from birth up to three years old who have developmental delays and disabilities, or medical conditions that place them at risk for delays. Early On partners with families, using their daily routines to support the growth and development of their babies and toddlers. There is no cost to families for these services. Early On services are usually provided right at home. Early Interventionists include Occupational and Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, Home Visitors and other services, but the primary teacher is always the child’s parent or guardian. They know the child the best and can make the interventions really work within the child’s interests and routines throughout each day.

Parents who have questions or concerns about their child can request a developmental assessment by calling 1-800-EARLY-ON or go to www.miearlychildhood.org and select your county. Michele Cochrane or another Early On home visitor will make contact to schedule the initial appointment. Parents can also complete a developmental screening on their own by going to the C.O.O.R. ISD website www.coorisd.net/ and clicking on the blue box labeled Ages and Stages.

Children who need support after turning three are referred to their local school district’s Special Education services. Like Early On, these supports include Occupational and Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, as well as services in the Preschool and K-12 setting.

This month, we focused on what our Early On staff do for students even before they are in the classroom. We are proud of Michele Cochrane and her team who work with parents and young children in the comfort of their homes. If you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out to me at: petris@coorisd.net or 989-275-9520.

– Shawn Petri

C.O.O.R. ISD Superintendent