When to Ask for Extra Support: Early Intervention for Children (ECI) Under 3 in the Rio Grande Valley
- Edutainment Zone
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
We know how much joy (and sometimes worry) comes with watching your little one grow. Every child develops at their own pace, but if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is my baby on track?” you’re not alone. That’s where Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) can help.
What is ECI?
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). It provides support for children from birth to age 3 who may have:
A developmental delay (for example, in speech, walking, or social skills)
A medical condition that is likely to affect development
A confirmed hearing or vision impairment
ECI’s goal is simple: to give children the best start possible and to support families as they help their children learn and grow.
How does my child qualify?
Your child may qualify if they meet one of these three criteria:
Medically Diagnosed Condition – for example, Down syndrome, autism, or another condition known to impact development.
Hearing or Vision Impairment – confirmed by specialists.
Developmental Delay – a delay of at least 25% in one or more areas (motor, communication, social-emotional, cognitive, or adaptive/self-help). If the only concern is expressive language, the delay must be 33% to qualify.
To find out, ECI offers a comprehensive evaluation at no cost to families.
What Services Look Like
If your child qualifies, you’ll work with a team to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Services are:
Family-centered: coaching parents to help their child throughout daily routines.
In natural settings: usually at home, in childcare, or other places your child spends time.
Individualized: based on your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
Providers may include speech, occupational, and physical therapists, early intervention specialists, dietitians, nurses, and social workers.
How much does it cost?
Evaluations, case management, and IFSP planning are always free.
Ongoing services use a sliding fee scale called the Family Cost Share.
No child is ever turned away for inability to pay.
For example:
A family of 4 with income under $32,150/year pays $0/month.
A family of 4 with income of $64,301–$80,375/year pays at most $28/month.
Families with Medicaid or CHIP typically receive services at no cost
What happens after age 3?
ECI services end when your child turns 3. But you won’t be left without support—the ECI team helps families transition smoothly to:
School district services (Early Childhood Special Education/ECSE)
Head Start or Pre-K programs
Other community options
This planning starts well before the 3rd birthday to avoid any service gaps
Local ECI Contact for the Rio Grande Valley
Families in the RGV can reach out directly to:
Easter Seals RGV ECI Program
📍 1217 Houston Street, McAllen, TX 78501
📞 (956) 631-9171
References
Texas Health and Human Services. Early Childhood Intervention Services. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services
