Resource Spotlight: Early Childhood Intervention

What is the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program?

• ECI is a statewide program that serves families with children birth to 36 months with developmental delays or disabilities.

• It supports families like yours. Support services can include:

  • Case management and specialized skills training.

  • Deaf education and vision services.

  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

  • Nursing and nutrition services.

  • Social work and counseling services.

• Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations, which cover every county in Texas.

• ECI services are provided in places that are familiar to your child and family. Though most ECI services happen at home, they can also take place in other locations that your family is used to, like a childcare center, library, park, and other spots in the community.

What can you expect from the ECI Process?

• If you suspect problems with your child’s abilities and growth, don’t delay calling ECI. This is not a time to wait and see. As a parent, you can make a referral yourself – call ECI and see what they can do to help. When you call, staff will explain ECI services, talk with you about your concerns, and answer any questions that are important to you. Together you can decide if you want to continue with ECI and get your child evaluated.

• If you decide to have an ECI evaluation, you will be assigned a service coordinator who will support you during the ECI evaluation and planning process – tell you your rights, make sure you know you can invite other people to the evaluation visit, explain what’s going on, and more.

• The service coordinator can also help you right away if you have a problem or concern and need help for your child now.

• The service coordinator will schedule the evaluation visit with the team that helps figure out if your child is eligible to get ECI services. This visit usually happens in your home, but you can ask for it to be anywhere you and your child are most comfortable.

• Once approved for ECI, you and your child’s ECI service coordinator will create an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). It will include services based on the strengths and needs of your child and family. You are a key part of this plan.

• The ECI staff will teach you how to work with your child to support their development during daily activities such as bath, play, and meal times.