About the Early On Center for Higher Education

The Early On (EO) Center for Higher Education, an Innovative Project of Clinton County RESA supports faculty in the development of students in diverse disciplines (see list below) whose future work will be with infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with disabilities or delays, and their families.

Through the many and varied resources offered by the EO Center, faculty gain knowledge about the practices, policies, and philosophy of Early On, Michigan’s Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This learning translates into enhanced classroom experiences about early intervention for students in diverse disciplines. To accomplish this mission, the Early On Center for Higher Education offers the following resources and activities:

Faculty from community colleges, colleges, and universities in diverse disciplines and departments, such as:

• Communication Disorders
• Early Childhood Education
• Early Intervention
• Family Studies
• Infant Mental Health
• Health professions
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Special Education
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Other professions working in the field of early intervention with children from birth to the age of three and their families

• A course with primary focus in early childhood intervention and family studies
• Content related to birth to three as part of a  course addressing developmental issues throughout the life-span 
• Early childhood education care and practices
• Part C of IDEA law, policies and federal requirements related to infants and toddlers with disabilities and special needs, and their families.
• Survey and introductory courses in all disciplines

• a website offering a wide range of instructional resources to use in coursework and practicum settings, i.e.: articles, DVD's, podcasts, PowerPoints & learning activities
• a calendar of Michigan and national events related to early childhood intervention
• guest speakers for classroom presentations (speakers are family members and/or professionals) 
• webinars presented by local and national leaders
• faculty grants to support research and teaching related to early intervention in Michigan
• opportunities for collaboration, networking and sharing resources with faculty, providers, and families 

Since 2007, the EO Center has received funding from the Michigan Department of Education through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and has worked with faculty, providers, and families from across the state.