For many families, it is surprising for them to learn that the school is a place to go when their infant or toddler is having difficulty developing and learning critical developmental milestones. The Ionia Intermediate School District (ISD) operates a program called SHARE that provides services to all children within the district age birth to three that have special needs.

When a child is referred to the ISD with a concern the first step is to complete an evaluation. The evaluation will look at the following areas of the child's development: cognitive, communication, gross motor, fine motor, self-care and social-emotional. (See Early On for a more complete description of these areas.)

In order to receive services from the SHARE program, the child must be eligible under special education laws. Following the determination of eligibility, a plan of service must be developed. This plan of service is called the Individual Educational Plan (IEP). On this plan the child's specific special education services must be indicated. Most children enrolled in the SHARE program are offered two hours of instruction per week. One usually occurs in the home and the other in a group setting. Parents are offered a weekly group opportunity that provides them with support and education regarding their child's needs.

Parents are a critical part of the educational process. The special education staff is there to support families and assist them in facilitating their child's development during their daily routines. The philosophy of the program is that you are your child's best teacher and our role is to support you in that endeavor.

Every child that is in the 0-3 special education program or SHARE program is eligible for Early On. As a result, your plan is called the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and it incorporates the necessary requirements of the IEP.

The thought of special education at such a young age is very scary. Other parents have had your same concerns. If you feel your child may need this program, focus your thoughts on prevention. The goal of the program is to find children with special needs early to prevent, minimize and/or eliminate learning problems in the future. During the school year a monthly newsletter is available to assist parents with facilitating their child's development.

Every child develops at his or her own pace. However, development is predictable with skills emerging during specific windows of time and within a predictable pattern or sequence. If you think your child may be eligible for the SHARE special education program, call Ionia County Intermediate School District at 1-616-522-1410 for more information.

The SHARE program is a Parents as Teachers affiliate.

"I'm glad there was a place my child could come to to get the help he needed."

"We found out about the program through the DAC Clinic. We took him at 5 months and at 18 months he was behind. My husband is still in denial. It is helping him-an occupational therapist comes to the house and really works with him."

"Initially we were afraid we needed help. It was rather disconcerting. Dread, self-blame, guilt and relief came all in the same afternoon. Since August he is like, 10,000 ways better."

"I am very pleased with the home environment. Using their own things and our things. It teaches me what I can do at home with him. Every week there is something positive."

"They don't push the kids."

"I was mad, then felt guilty, then you just accept it. I still don't really know what is wrong with her. The program said, 'We will be your backbone and we will help you through together.'"

"It was already a thing for me since I had another child in special education. I knew how to deal with it. It bothered me because I didn't want to do it again."

"We knew before we left the hospital. We knew, because they were born so early that they would be delayed."

"Parent group puts me at ease. Knowing there are other children and parents out there, puts me at ease."

"He has shown a lot of improvement."

"I wish I would have known about these programs when my child was this age."

"There is a lot of judgement when you come to this place from family and friends. That is where they send retarted kids. It makes you mad."

"My husband doesn't think anything's wrong."

"I got to meet other people that had the same kind of concerns."

"I've been through a whole array of emotions - it is not done, it's a continuum."