In March 2023, the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education issued a new guidance document, Determination of Eligibility for Michigan Mandatory Special Education (MMSE) for Infants and Toddlers, Birth to Age Three, Deaf or Hard of Hearing Guidance.
This document was created to promote the appropriate identification and determination of services for infants and toddlers, aged birth to three, who are eligible for MMSE in addition to Early On services. The document also provides information to key stakeholders in special education and early intervention about awareness, guidance, training, and additional supports for the identification of infants and toddlers under MMSE.
Michigan’s “birth mandate” practices are unique in requiring special education services to be provided for children who are found eligible, starting at birth.
- Under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special education services are required for students, ages 3–21, who are found eligible.
- Under Part C, early intervention services are required for infants and toddlers, birth to three, who are eligible.
Michigan also requires special education services for children from birth through 25, who are determined eligible by the multidisciplinary evaluation team (MET). Therefore, it is possible for an infant or toddler (birth to three) to receive early intervention services (Part C) AND special education services (Part B) at the same time.
DHH Considerations
This document provides considerations that are specific to DHH, such as including culturally mindful verbiage. The document also includes recommendations from national committees, such as the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH), to ensure a “specialized provider” is accessible to the evaluation team. This helps the team integrate information about the child’s hearing status and consider the adverse impact on language development and overall functional performance.
Best practices, such as using data to determine appropriate services specific to the individual, are also highlighted, as well as including services from a certified teacher or teacher consultant with a DHH endorsement for infants and toddlers found eligible for MMSE.
Read the full document: Determination of Eligibility for Michigan Mandatory Special Education (MMSE) for Infants and Toddlers, Birth to Age Three, Deaf or Hard of Hearing Guidance [PDF]
Other documents in this series include eligibility guidance for autism spectrum disorder, early childhood developmental delay, other health impairment, and speech and language impairment.