Build Up Michigan

Build Up Michigan is for children ages 3-5. If you are concerned about your child or a child you know who may not be meeting important developmental milestones, complete the Referral Form below to begin the evaluation process. Services are FREE and coordinated through the school district where the family resides-even if the child is not yet attending school.

What is a developmental delay?

A developmental delay is seen when a child’s rate of growth and learning is different from that of most children the same age.

A developmental delay may be in one of the following areas:

  • Thinking
  • Talking
  • Hearing
  • Seeing
  • Moving
  • Taking care of basic needs
  • Responding to others

Who can refer a child? How do I make a referral?

Anyone! Parents, guardians, educators, doctors, caregivers, family members, etc. Any concerned adult may make a referral for a child if they suspect a developmental delay or if the child has a pre-existing health condition(s).

Build Up Michigan Referral Form (for ages 3-5 only)

How can Build Up Michigan help?

Build Up Michigan can help children ages 3-5 and their families get additional educational supports and other services as needed. If an evaluation shows that your child has a disability and is eligible for special education, this will be coordinated through the school district where the family lives.

Every child goes through developmental stages but remember, no two children develop and grow at exactly the same pace.

The guide below from buildupmi.org lists a few things you can look for as you watch your child's growth and development.


By 3 years your child should...

  • Copy adults and friends
  • Take turns in games
  • Follow instructions with 2 or 3 steps
  • Play make-believe with dolls, animals and people
  • May get upset with major changes in routine
  • May copy a circle with a pencil or crayon
  • Turn book pages one at a time
  • Run easily


By 4 years your child should...

  • Enjoy doing new things
  • Want to play with other children than by him/herself
  • Sing a song or say a poem from memory such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Wheels on the Bus"
  • Be able to say their first and last name
  • Be able to name some colors and numbers
  • Catch a bounced ball most of the time
  • Be able to tell what's real and what's make-believe most of the time


By 5 years your child should...

  • Be able to hop; maybe even skip
  • Be able to print some letters or numbers
  • Like to sing, dance and act
  • Be aware of gender
  • Be able to tell what's real and what's make-believe
  • Be able to play simple games such as Candy Land and Go Fish
  • Want to be like their friends
  • Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative

Is Your Child Struggling to Learn?

Use the Ages and Stages questionnaires below to start the referral process.

                         Help Me Grow

How it Works:

  1. Complete the Ages & Stages Questionnaires to learn more about your child’s development. It only takes 10-15 minutes.
  2. A care coordinator will contact you to share results and additional information about programs and services.
  3. Continuous support is available as your child ages and if you have additional questions or concerns.


Ages & Stages Developmental Questionnaire (ASQ 3)

This tool can help you keep track of your child's development. You will be asked questions about things your child can and cannot do including questions about your child's communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal social skills.

Take the Developmental Questionnaire

Ages & Stages Social Emotional Questionnaire
(ASQ:SE 2)

This tool can help you keep track of your child's social and emotional development. You will be asked to answer questions about your child's behaviors such as their ability to calm down, take direction and follow rules, communicate, perform daily activities, act independently, show feelings and engage.

Take the Social/Emotional Questionnaire