Build Up helps parents and their children, ages 3 through 5, get additional educational support as they begin and continue to learn the skills needed to enter kindergarten.
Our goal is to refer all children who may be eligible for special education services through Michigan’s Administrative Rules for Special Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B.
Special education services may be available for your 3-, 4-, or 5-year-old through your local school district. Intervening early can in many cases resolve, or at least limit, a child's roadblock to learning.
Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages 3 through 5, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). Through its 56 Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), Michigan's ECSE program offers a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young children with disabilities should get services in community-based preschool settings and programs whenever possible.
Copies adults and friends
Takes turns in games
Follows instructions with 2 or 3 steps
Plays make-believe with dolls, animals and people
May get upset with major changes in routine
May copy a circle with a pencil or crayon
Turns book pages one at a time
Runs easily
Enjoys doing new things
Would rather play with other children than by him/herself
Sings a song or says a poem from memory such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Wheels on the Bus"
Can say first and last name
Able to name some colors and numbers
Catches a bounced ball most of the time
Often can't tell what's real and what's make-believe
Hops; may be able to skip
Can print some letters or numbers
Likes to sing, dance and act
Is aware of gender
Can tell what's real and what's make-believe
Can play simple games such as Candy Land and Go Fish
Wants to be like friends
Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
*Milestones checklists available to download in English and Spanish
Through your public school district, special education supports and services for preschool-aged children (ages 3 through 5) with a developmental delay or disability are available for children who qualify. If you are concerned that your child may have a disability that is getting in the way of learning, get connected. Your local Child Find Coordinator will explain the resources available and help determine the next best steps for your child. A recommendation may be to screen your child or complete an evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for special education programs and/or supports.
Call your Child Find Coordinator OR Call 1-888-320-8384 (the Michigan Special Education Information Line).
Talking to your Child Find Coordinator is the logical first step. But, at any time, if you think your child may have a disability that qualifies him or her for special education, you may request an evaluation in writing. Evaluations take place during the regular school calendar (September – May).
Parent Preschool Advocacy Brief (PDF)
Special Education Services for Preschoolers with Disabilities
Child Find Coordinator /
Assistant Superintendent of Special Education:
Kristina Riggs
Contact: kriggs@barryisd.org