This episode features Melissa Toystyka, Clinical Director for Trinity Health across Southeastern Michigan, as she shares an inside look at the mental health services available for children and adolescents. The conversation explores how Trinity Health partners with community mental health agencies and schools to deliver coordinated, responsive care, along with practical guidance and tips for parents navigating mental health concerns for their children.

In this episode, we focus on what it truly means to support our 3–5 year old learners — together. Early childhood is not just preparation for school; it is school. These foundational years shape communication, social-emotional growth, confidence, and a child’s sense of belonging. When general education and special education teams work in partnership, young children benefit from stronger, more responsive systems of support.

We’ll explore the importance of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and why being alongside general education peers as much as possible is not just a compliance issue — it’s a developmental advantage. Research and experience continue to show that inclusive settings enhance language development, peer modeling, problem-solving skills, and social growth for all children. Inclusion in the early years builds empathy, community, and high expectations from the very start.

Our conversation highlights what high-quality inclusion looks like in practice, how adults can collaborate effectively, and how we ensure that services and supports are delivered within natural learning environments whenever possible. When we commit to shared responsibility and reject silos, we create classrooms where every child belongs and every child grows.

This episode is a call to action: let’s get it right early. Because when we build inclusive foundations at ages 3–5, we don’t just support development — we shape lifelong trajectories.

In this episode, we take a closer look at Early On — Michigan’s early intervention system designed to support infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities from birth to age three.

Together with local leaders, providers, and family voices, we break down what Early On is, how referrals happen, and what services look like in homes and community settings. We clarify the roles of the ISD, local districts, service providers, and families, and we explore how collaboration makes early intervention successful.

We also discuss what happens as children transition out of Early On, how the process connects to special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and why early identification can change the trajectory of a child’s development.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, administrator, or community partner, this episode offers clear information and practical insight into how we can work together to give our youngest learners the strongest possible start.