What is Early Childhood Intervention?

Importance of Early Intervention

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a Texas Health and Human Services Commission program for families with children from birth to 36 months with disabilities, developmental delays, or certain medical diagnoses that may impact their development. ECI specialized support services are designed for families to help their children grow and learn.

ECI services feature:

  • Individualized Planning
  • Family-Centered Services
  • Case Management
  • Professional Providers
  • Continuing Services

Important Early Childhood Intervention Facts

  1. Family-centered services are provided at no cost to parents.
  2. Services are typically administered in the child’s home environment. Services are provided in the home or other familiar places where your child feels comfortable (a childcare center, park, library, or other community setting).
  3. ECI case managers facilitate access to specialized child development services and resources.
  4. Specialized and licensed providers work together to create personalized plans tailored to each child’s needs.
  5. Early intervention services can include physical, speech, occupational, and developmental instruction.
  6. At age three, ECI helps transition the child to public school, preschool, Head Start, or other educational programs with no gaps in services. (We Go Public)

Benefits of Early Childhood Intervention

Research demonstrates the effectiveness of early intervention services. A study published in the Journal of Early Intervention found that children who received early intervention services showed considerable improvements in social, motor, and cognitive skills compared to children who did not receive services until later in childhood.

Infants in early child care

According to research from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, toxic stress and developmental delays can be mitigated through early intervention.

A study in Pediatrics revealed that children who received early intervention services were 40% less likely to need special education services by kindergarten.

Analysis has shown that programs that intervene early have returns on investment from $2.50 to $17.07 for every dollar spent on early intervention services. (Brighton Center)

How Does My Child Qualify for Early Intervention Services?

Children with eligibility for ECI services must meet one of the following three criteria:

  1. Medically Diagnosed Condition- A child with a medically diagnosed condition likely to cause a developmental delay can qualify for ECI services. You can find a list of medically qualifying diagnoses using the HHS ECI Qualifying Diagnosis Search.
  2. Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Blind or Visually Impaired- A child identified as deaf or hard of hearing or as blind or visually impaired qualifies for ECI.
  3. Developmental Delay- A child with a developmental delay of at least 25% in a developmental area (social/emotional, adaptive and self-help, communication, motor, or cognition) qualifies for ECI services. If the only delay is language development, there must be a 33% delay to qualify.

Children age 3 and older may be eligible for services from your local school district. The Texas Education Agency can provide more information and resources for special education services. You can make a referral for assessment by contacting your local school district’s director of special education.

(Texas Health and Human Services)

How Are ECI Services Determined?

A team of qualified staff uses a state-approved evaluation tool to determine whether a child is eligible for services. If your child qualifies, the team identifies your child’s strengths and special needs in your family’s daily routines.

Based on the results of the evaluation and assessment, the team develops a plan for services, known as the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Evaluations, assessments, and IFSPs are provided at no cost to parents. (Texas Project First)

early childhood education child with toy

Signs That Your Child Might Benefit from Early Intervention

While each child develops at their own pace, some signs might indicate that additional developmental support could be beneficial:

  • Delayed speech or language development
  • Struggles with physical movements or coordination
  • Difficulties with social interaction or eye contact
  • Challenges with basic problem-solving
  • Limited interest in age-appropriate toys or activities
  • Frustrations learning new skills or concepts

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of identifying these signs early. Their research shows that children who receive early intervention services before age three show more improvement in developmental milestones than children who obtain services later.

early childhood teacher and student

Developmental Screening Tools

Act Early Texas! provides information to parents and early childhood professionals to determine if a child is developing appropriately. 

If you are unsure if your child is developing accordingly, you can download the CDC Milestone Tracker App. The app tracks your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with easy-to-use checklists, developmental tips, photos, and video illustrations.

Find Your Nearest Early Childhood Intervention Program

ECI programs provide services in every Texas county. Find services in your area here:  ECI Program Search

In the San Antonio area, The Center for Health Care Services program helps families with resources like occupational/ speech/ physical therapy, case management, and caregiver education.

Many agencies in the San Antonio community support families and children with special education services like Respite Care of San Antonio and Rise School San Antonio. But there is more work to do! Early Matters San Antonio is committed to working with partners to advance training for early education teachers working with special needs children. The Early Matters San Antonio Impact Plan outlines the strategy to increase the capacity and capability of providers and ensure access to high-quality childcare for all children. 

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