CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early

Milestones matter! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program can help you learn the signs of healthy development, monitor your child's early development, and take action when there is a concern.

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Eligibility

This information page for families provides answers to frequently asked questions about ECI including eligibility requirements, how to connect with an ECI program, and what to expect from an early intervention visit. To be eligible for ECI, a child must:

• Be from birth to 36 Months
• Live in Texas
• Have one of the following:

A developmental delay of 25% or greater in one or more areas of development
A qualifying medical diagnosis
A hearing or vision impairment

Make a Referral

Don't take a "wait and see" approach when it comes to a child's development. Anyone can make a referral to ECI - parents, doctors, child care providers, grandparents, foster parents or others.

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Questions and Complaints

For general questions or to make a complaint, submit an online request to the HHS Ombudsman. Please include your ZIP code, county or city to help identify your local ECI program.

Eye and Vision Assessment

Through the InfantSEE© program, member optometrists provide a no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants 6-12 months old regardless of a family's income or access to insurance coverage.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

ECSE is a program for young children with disabilities ages 3 to 5. Children who meet eligibility criteria may receive services in a variety of settings such as a prekindergarten classroom, in the home, or in community settings such as Head Start and pre-school.

Children’s Autism Program

The Health and Human Services Children's Autism Program provides focused applied behavioral analysis services for children through local community agencies and organizations.

Child Find Information

Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and evaluate children with disabilities who are in need of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Programs (Part C) or Special Education and Related Services (Part B).

Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA)

ECTA offers resources for families and child care programs who are seeking support and guidance to ensure the best, most positive incomes possible for children in their lives who have, or are at-risk for, developmental delays or disabilities across a variety of early childhood settings. Spanish guides are available.

Legal Framework

Legal Framework provides federal, state, and parent resources for the child-centered special education process.

Partners Resource Network

Partners Resource Network is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers to help parents understand their child’s disability and rights/responsibilities, obtain and evaluate resources and services, and participate as team members with professionals in planning services for their children.

SPEDTex

SPEDTex provides information and resources that can help you understand your child’s disability, your rights and responsibilities under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services to children with disabilities in our state.

Texas Parent to Parent

Texas Parent to Parent provides support, information, and education for families of children and adults with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other health care needs.