Child Development Page
Act Early Texas
Act Early Texas! provides parents and early childhood professionals with information designed to answer the question, "Is this child's development like other children of the same age?" including access to free developmental and autism-specific screenings.
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)
ECI is a program for families with children birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses that may impact development.
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
Find Your Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program
Find the local ECI program in your area.
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) Resource Guide
This Resource Guide contains information about resources of interest to families of children with developmental delays or disabilities, professionals who have an interest in families, and anyone interested in the well-being of young children and their families.
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.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Advisory Committee
The ECI Advisory Committee advises the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services on development and implementation of policies that constitute the statewide ECI system. The governor appoints the committee members.
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.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Eligibility (PDF)
This guide provides an overview of Early Childhood Intervention (birth to 36 months) and ECSE (ages 3 to 5). See if your child has a need that qualifies him or her for services.
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.
Children’s Autism Program – Find a Provider
If you are looking for services for a child with autism, find a program provider in your area.
A Parent's Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Process (PDF)
If you suspect your child has a special need, you will go through the ARD process to get him or her services. This guide will help you understand the process and your rights and responsibilities as a parent so you can fully participate in the decision-making process regarding your child’s education.
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.
Navigate Life Texas
Navigate Life Texas provides resources and support for families raising children with disabilities.
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.
Resources on Special Education in Texas
Texas Education Agency provides documents created as general resources for families on dyslexia, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), multi-tiered systems of support, and Section 504.
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.
SPEDTex Contact
Staff are available by phone at 1-855-SPEDTEX (1-855-773-3839) or by email at inquire@spedtex.org.
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.