Understanding Early Care

You’ve noticed your child isn’t meeting milestones such as sitting up, making eye contact, constructing sentences. You bring it up to your doctor but the answer is often “let’s wait and see” so you follow. You wait. And you worry. Truthfully, you don’t have to wait nor do you have to wonder if you’re senselessly overreacting. In Texas, you have the right to a program called Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), a powerful program designed to help children from birth to age three who have developmental delays and disabilities, and the best part, you don’t need a diagnosis or referral to get started.

What is ECI?

ECI is a statewide program offered through Texas Health and Human services. It serves children from birth to their third birthday who show delays in areas like communication, motor skills, or social interaction, have hearing or vision impairments, or have a diagnosed medical condition. It connects families to licensed specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and more to work with your child. What makes it different is that services focus on the child’s everyday environment, taking place at home or a daycare, not so often at clinics.

Why Early Support Matters

The first three years of life are a critical window for brain development. Research shows that addressing developmental delays early can lead to better long-term outcomes in school-readiness, behavior, and health. Even small changes in a child’s daily routine with right support can have a lasting, positive impact, as ECI intends.

What Families Can Expect

If you reach out to your local ECI program, they’ll first assess whether your child qualifies. If they do, you’ll work together to create a plan tailored to your child’s needs called an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). These plans may include development evaluations, speech, occupational, or physical therapy, coaching and education for the parents, and help connecting with additional resources.

Additionally, this program does not need a doctor’s referral to start. Most services are available regardless of income. Some families may pay smaller fees but evaluations and case management are free.

How To Start

If you feel your child, or someone you know may benefit from ECI, let them know! It’s worth making a call. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have. To find your local ECI provider, visit the Texas HHS website or call the HHS Office at 877-787-8999.