What we're all about...

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) helps babies and toddlers, ages birth to 3, with disabilities or delays in their development. ECI supports families through education and family services to help their children reach their potential.

 

What are ECI services?

Families and staff work as a team to develop a plan outlining services for their child and family. Together, they plan appropriate activities. Services are provided in home and community settings and help children learn basic skills as part of their family's daily routines.

 

Services for children could include:

• screenings and assessments, including hearing and vision
• physical, occupational, speech and language therapy
• activities to develop learning and eating skills
• activities to help social and emotional development
• assistive technology
• moving on to school or other services as needed at age 3 or when graduating from the program
• nutritional services
• supporting childcare or preschool teachers of enrolled children

Services for the family could include:

• education and counseling
• coordination of needed social and health services
• access to support groups

How much does ECI cost?

Families are charged on a sliding fee scale for some ECI services. No child and family will be turned away because of inability to pay.

 

Call us at 903.597.5067 for more information.

 

Will families be charged for ECI evaluations?

No. All screenings and evaluations are at no cost to families. You do not have to pay to have your child evaluated or to find out about ECI services that will help your child and family.

 

How do I find ECI?

For those living in Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Rains, Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood counties call 903.597.5067. If you live in a county not listed above call the ECI Care Line at 800.628.5115 (TDD/TTY 866.581.9328) to find an ECI program near you.

 

What happens after I call?

ECI will check your child for developmental delay and eligibility for enrollment in an ECI program. Once a child is enrolled, a family plan will be developed and services will begin. If your child is not eligible for ECI, staff will refer you to other resources.

 

 

 

 

What if my child is age 3 or over?

Services are available through your local school district for children and young adults with a disability, ages 3 to 21. A referral for assessment may be made. This may lead to individualized testing for children and young adults who may require specialized assistance and/or support services. To begin this process, contact the director of special education services for your local school district.

 

Where can I get more information about child development or disabilities?

Call the office of the director of special education at your local school district for additional information. Parenting support groups can help you. They can be found through hospitals, churches or other social service organizations. You can talk to your child's healthcare provider. Also, there are many books available at your local library or bookstore.