TOTE/Early On
Teach Our Tots Early (TOTE) is an infant/toddler special education program for developmentally delayed children birth to three years of age. As part of Early On Wayne County, we service children who qualify for special education. Children are referred by parents, physicians, and other agencies when there are concerns about development. An early intervention team evaluates the child to determine eligibility for services under the State of Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education. A Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team Report (MET) is completed after evaluation. An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting is held in order to begin services for eligible children. Appropriate child and family outcomes are developed at the IFSP which meet each qualifying child’s individual needs. The program funding is provided through Wayne County Act 18 Special Education Millage. There is no cost to eligible students and families.

TOTE services the Downriver/Dearborn School Districts including:

Allen Park
Dearborn
Dearborn Heights
Ecorse
Flat Rock
Gibraltar
Grosse Ile
Huron
Lincoln Park
Melvindale
Riverview
Southgate
Taylor
Trenton
River Rouge
Woodhaven-Brownstown
Wyandotte

TOTE services are provided in the home of the child and within the community setting. TOTE is founded upon the belief that parents/caregivers play the most important role in the total development of their child. The experiences of everyday life become the basis for continued learning and growth. It is the mission of our TOTE staff to help each child progress toward his/her fullest potential using developmentally appropriate practices in collaboration with their families. 

The TOTE staff consists of early intervention teacher consultants, a school nurse, speech pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, school psychologist and social worker. The role of our professional staff is to use the Coaching model to assist the family with the integration of learning activities into family routines to help support their child's development. Eligible students receive home visits for one hour a week by their teacher consultant, along with a center-based group visit once a week. Speech, physical, and occupational therapists are available on a consultative basis. Optional additional components of the program, such as parent-child music class, playgroups, motor and sensory groups are available throughout the year. There are also monthly family events such as a Fall Harvest Fest, Funtastics, holiday parties, fun family picnics, among other outings available monthly. 

> Refer your child for the TOTE Early On Program

For more information on Early On and Early Childhood Education, visit Wayne County RESA. For more information on the TOTE program, call 734-783-3322.