Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) & Child Find Services

Do you think your child might have a disability? You may have gone to the doctor to ask what you need to do. Maybe you have a gut feeling. Maybe you’ve compared your child to others of their age, and you think your child is behind. So, what’s next?

It depends if your child is under or over 3 years of age. Part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires a school district to “find” children with disabilities. “Child Find” covers children from birth to 21 years old. This includes children who are homeschooled or go to private schools

If your child is under 3 years of age and you feel he or she has delays, contact your local Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECI). ECI programs go by different names throughout the state. For example, in San Antonio, there are several programs throughout the city, including Brighton Center, Easter Seals, and CHCS.

Education Service Centers can direct you to programs in your area or you can go on the Texas ECI website and locate potential programs for your child. If you’re not sure what services your child needs, you may benefit from an assessment. ECI services and supports can be conducted either in your home or at preschool or child care center if your child is enrolled in one.

As your child nears age 3, the ECI program and the school district will start your child’s transition from ECI to a preschool or other program. Since children don’t have to go to school until age 6, there are several choices.

A family can choose not to be a part of the transition to school process. They may opt for related services only, such as therapies. They might wait for their child to start school at a later date. Another option is Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) if the child qualifies. Your child can then go to their public school for services at age 3.

Older students are also covered under Child Find. Some disabilities don’t show up until a student is older. If your child is struggling in school and suspected of having a disability, it may be time to have testing done to determine if they qualify for special education services.

Make the testing request to your child’s school in writing, either by letter or email. Send the request to the principal. Ask for a response in writing within 5 school days and be sure to follow up. If the school agrees to the testing, sign paperwork to start the timeline. Within 45 school days, the testing should be completed, and a meeting held to discuss the results.

Go to The Legal Framework to find more information about Child Find and the referral processes.