Special Education Overview

What programs and services are available?

A variety of programs and service options are available in Muskegon Heights and through other Muskegon County School districts. Some of the possible programs that serve special education preschoolers are:

  • Early Intervention
  • Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
  • Speech/Language Therapy
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Cognitive Impairment (CI)

What is Early Intervention?

Early Intervention is a combination of school and home-based services to children ages birth to three. The goal of this educational program is to support and guide parents, who are considered the young child s primary teachers. The program is led by a highly qualified Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. Support services are provided by an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Speech/Language Therapist to assist families in providing appropriate educational activities for their child.

What is the ECSE?

The ECSE is a classroom-based program for children ages three to five. The class is led by a highly qualified Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with support services provided by an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Speech/Language Therapist. A strong home-school connection is encouraged so that each child s educational program can be enhanced.

What is Speech/Language Therapy?

Speech/language services are provided to children ages three to five in a small educational group setting. Services are provided by highly qualified Speech/Language Pathologists. The therapists work closely with each child s parents on developing appropriate home programs to enhance the child s goals

What is Early On?

Early On is designed to provide support to children under age 3 and their families. Non-profit agencies in Oakland County have partnered together to do assessments and provide service coordination for eligible children and their families.

If your child is under age 3, please call the Early On referral line at (231)-767-7247 or the state referral line at (800) EarlyOn to make a referral of a child who may have some type of possible delay. If, services are called for there is no Cost to the family.

Developmental Guide

  • By 1 year: Pulls self to standing; may step with support. Gives toy on request. Picks things up with thumb and one finger. Stacks two blocks. Follows simple directions accompanied by gestures. Gives affection. May say 2 or 3 words.
  • By 2 Years: Kicks large ball. Turns pages (1 at a time). Identifies 6 body parts. Imitates housework. Asks for items by name. Uses 2 or 3 words together, such as more juice.
  • By 3 Years: Walks up stairs. Stands momentarily on one foot. Uses utensils to feed self. Copies a circle. Uses short sentences to relate experiences. Matches colors. Demonstrates interest in toilet training.
  • By 4 Years: Rides a tricycle. Is toilet training. Copies a cross. Names 6 basic colors. Can wait for a turn. Begins to play with other children. Washes hands unassisted. Uses sentences.

For more information, contact:

Amy Carnes
(231) 830-3700
acarnes@mhtigers.org