ECI & Healthcare Professionals

ECI is a statewide program for families with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations across Texas.

As a healthcare professional, families look to you for guidance regarding their child’s growth and development. ECI wants to work with you to help families get the services they need for their infants and toddlers. For over 30 years, ECI has provided specialized services to Texas families and their young children with developmental delays or disabilities.

Your local Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program is one of many across Texas that is part of the statewide early childhood intervention services network. The state agency responsible for ECI services is the Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). HHSC contracts with local agencies throughout Texas to provide ECI services. No matter where in Texas you live, there is an ECI program that serves you.

The HHSC Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services (HHSC ECI) staff and local programs in your community work together to provide early intervention services for families and children. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives states the authority to operate early childhood intervention programs. ECI services are authorized in Part C of the IDEA. All ECI programs must comply with the requirements of the IDEA. HHSC ECI receives funding under Part C of the IDEA, as well as from the State of Texas. ECI also receives funds through its collection of payments from sources including Medicaid, CHIP, private insurance, and fees charged to some families.

Professional providers in ECI have expertise in working with babies, toddlers, and their families. They are chosen based on the individual needs of the child and family. Licensed and/or credentialed specialists may include:

• early intervention specialists
• speech and language pathologists
• physical and occupational therapists
• psychologists
• registered nurses
• dietitians
• social workers
• counselors