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Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
The Elinor Zind Early Childhood Intervention Program of EHN is a contract program with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services. The ECI mission is to assure that families with young children with developmental delays have the resources and supports they need to reach their goals.
ECI provides evaluations, at no cost to families, to determine eligibility and the need for services. Families and professionals work together to plan appropriate services based on the strengths and needs of the child and family. Services are provided in the home and in community settings such as child care facilities, play groups and Mothers’ Day Out programs.
Who is Eligible?
Income is not a factor in determining eligibility. ECI determines eligibility for children under age three based on:
Developmental Delay – children with a developmental delay which affects functioning in one or more areas of development, including cognition, communication, motor, social-emotional and adaptive/self help.
Medically Diagnosed Condition – children who have a medically diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay.
Auditory or visual impairment – children who have an auditory or visual impairment as defined by the Texas Education Agency
What services does ECI offer?
Depending on the needs of the child services can include:
- Assistive Technology: Services & Devices
- Audiology
- Case Management
- Early Identification, Screening & Assessment
- Family Counseling
- Family Education
- Medical Services (diagnostic or evaluation services used to determine eligibility)
- Nursing Services
- Nutrition Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychological Services
- Social Work Services
- Specialized Skills Training
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Vision Services
How Much Do Services Cost?
The following services are provided at no cost regardless of income:
- Evaluation/assessment
- Development of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)
- Case Management
- Translation and interpretation services, if needed
- Services for children with auditory and visual impairments who are eligible for services from ECI and local school districts
- Services for children in foster care or in conservatorship of the state
Families with children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, or whose income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, do not pay for any ECI services. Other families pay a cost share determined by a sliding fee scale based on family size and net income after allowable deductions.
Fees are determined on a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. Provisions are in place to adjust income for unusual expenses so no child will be denied services because of a family’s inability to pay.
Visit the state ECI website at: www.dars.state.tx.us