MY GUIDE > ECI Services for Children from Birth to 3

KEYWORDS: age 1 up to age 3ECInewborn up to age 1services and transitions

Early Childhood Intervention services (ECI) for kids from birth to age 3

Your hospital social worker or doctor may have suggested that you call ECI. You probably have questions about what ECI services are all about. If your child is birth to 3 years old and has a disability or a delay in developing, it is never too early to begin services. All children need support as they grow and learn, but some children need extra help. This article can give you an overview of the services ECI provides. For more details and resources, read HHS Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services.

  • Services are convenient for families. Services are provided to children and families in familiar and comfortable surroundings where children live, learn, and play. This may include the family’s home or child care center.
  • ECI staff work as a team with families to design strategies to help children grow and learn.
  • Activities are designed within the family’s normal routines such as bath time, meal time, or play time.
  • Services are coordinated with others in the community. ECI works with doctors, child care providers, therapists, and schools to make sure services are helping the child make progress.

Families of all income levels receive ECI  services. There is no income limit. No family is turned away because of an inability to pay.

Referring your child to ECI

Refer your child aged birth to three to ECI if you have concerns about how your child is moving, developing language, eating or playing. To refer a child, call the the HHS Office of the Ombudsman at 877-787-8999 select a language, then select Option 3 or visit the ECI program search. If you are hearing impaired, use the relay option of your choice or dial 7-1-1 to connect with Relay Texas.

 

Find an ECI Program near you

Use the ECI Program Search to find an ECI program in your area. The information for the program nearest you will include a Referral Number. This is a phone number you can call to request an evaluation for your child.  When you call, tell the ECI program staff you speak with if your child has a medically diagnosed condition or whether you are concerned he has a developmental delay.