Early On
Early On is a federally funded early intervention program for children birth to three years old. Chitter Chatter provides this free in home service to families throughout Wayne County. Children are evaluated for delays in a variety of developmental areas, including language, cognition, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and adaptive skills. Family training is provided two times per month for those that qualify. The family training model provides families with strategies and activities to promote their child’s development in the areas of concern. Family trainers come from a variety of disciplines, including speech language pathology, occupational therapy, social work, and education. Families are also provided with information regarding community resources and referrals to programs to supplement Early On.
TRANSLATION SERVICES
Chitter Chatter PC offers translation services for individuals whose primary language is not English for caregiver engagement sessions as well as documentation. Please inform your supervising clinician if you would prefer an interpreter or would like documents translated into your preferred language. Chitter Chatter PC offers translation services through various placements including internal staff, translation services through the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA), or third party translation services as necessary. All requests for translation services for any language will be accommodated.
Index
Signs and symptoms
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Early On program may vary by state, but generally, children who are under the age of three and who have a developmental delay or disability are eligible for services. Children who have a medical diagnosis that is likely to result in a developmental delay or disability may also be eligible for services. Families can typically refer themselves to the Early On program or be referred by a healthcare provide
General signs and symptoms
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Delayed milestones: A child may not be meeting typical developmental milestones for their age in areas such as crawling, walking, talking, or social interaction.
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Poor coordination or balance: A child may have difficulty with gross or fine motor skills, such as throwing a ball, catching, or writing.
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Difficulty with communication: A child may have trouble understanding or using language, or may have limited vocabulary.
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Unusual behavior or temperament: A child may exhibit behaviors that are unusual for their age, such as excessive crying, tantrums, or extreme shyness.
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Sensory processing difficulties: A child may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory input, such as touch, sound, or movement.
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Difficulty with self care: A child may struggle with tasks such as dressing, feeding themselves, or using the bathroom.
Treatment and benefits
The Early On program provides a range of services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as their families. Some of the services provided by the program include:
Services
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Developmental evaluations and assessments: Early On providers will evaluate the child's development in several areas, including motor skills, communication, and social emotional development.
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Family support and education: Support and education to families on topics such as child development, behavior management, and advocacy.
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Speech and language therapy: May offer speech and language therapy to help children with communication difficulties.
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Physical and occupational therapy: May offer physical and occupational therapy to help children with gross and fine motor delays or disabilities.
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Assistive technology: May offer assistive technology to help children with disabilities participate in everyday activities.
Benefits
There are many benefits of the Early On program, including:
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Improved Developmental Outcomes: It can greatly improve a child's developmental outcomes. and help children achieve developmental milestones and improve their overall functioning.
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Improved Participation in Activities: Helps in daily activities at home, school, and in the community. This can improve a child's overall quality of life and their ability to interact with others.
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Improved Self Esteem: Can help children develop a sense of accomplishment and improve their self esteem by providing them with the skills they need to participate in daily activities.
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Improved Family Support: The Early On program provides support and education to families, which can help them better understand their child's needs and provide effective support.