Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide, year-round program within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for families with children birth up to age 3, with developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses that may impact development. ECI services support families as they learn how to help their children grow and learn.
Anyone who has a concern about a child’s development can make a referral to ECI — a parent, a grandparent, a day care provider, a pediatrician or health care worker. A referral does not have to be made by a professional.
Your child is eligible for services if he/she
ECI uses a team approach when providing services. If your child is found eligible, the next step is to conduct a team meeting to determine a plan of service unique to your child and family. In ECI, this plan is called the Individualized Family Service Plan.
Your child’s team includes you, a service coordinator and various ECI providers with expertise in the areas of development that are a concern. ECI recognizes you know your child best, and therefore you are considered an important member of the team.
The team explores you and your child’s routines, identifies your child’s strengths, and learns what you consider to be the priorities for services. This information is gathered to create the IFSP.
The IFSP is reviewed on a regular scheduled basis, or at the request of any team member, including you. This helps to ensure your plan is always addressing what is most important for your child and family.
Though most ECI services are provided at home, they can be provided in other places where your child goes regularly, such as a day care or other community setting.
Opportunities, Inc. provides ECI services in the following counties:
