Build Up Michigan
Concerned About Your Child’s Development? Build Up Michigan Can Help.
Build Up Michigan supports children ages 3–5 who may not be meeting important developmental milestones. If you’re concerned about your child or a child you know, completing the referral form below is the first step toward getting help.
All services are free and coordinated through the local school district where the family resides—even if the child is not yet enrolled in school.
What Is a Developmental Delay?
A developmental delay occurs when a child’s rate of growth or learning differs from that of most children their age. Delays may appear in one or more areas, such as:
- Thinking and problem-solving
- Speaking or understanding language
- Hearing or seeing
- Moving or coordination
- Self-care or basic needs
- Social and emotional responses
How Build Up Michigan Supports Families
If a developmental delay is identified, Build Up Michigan helps connect children and families with appropriate educational supports and services. If the child is found eligible for special education, those services will be provided through the school district where the family lives.
Developmental Milestones
Every child goes through developmental stages but remember, no two children develop and grow at exactly the same pace. Below are 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?
- Complete the Ages & Stages Questionnaires to learn more about your child’s development. It only takes 10-15 minutes.
- A care coordinator will contact you to share results and additional information about programs and services.
- 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.
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.
Contact
How do I make a referral?
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).
