Pediatric Therapy
Services (0-3)

ECI is a state- and federally-funded program through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, P.L. 108-446). The evaluations/assessments determining a child’s eligibility and need for ECI services are done at no cost to families. Based on the results of the evaluations/assessments, Brighton’s professional will work with the family to plan appropriate services. ECI asks families who can afford to share in the cost of services to do so. The amount a family pays for ECI services is determined using a state-regulated sliding fee scale based on family size and income after allowable deductions. No child/family is turned away because of an inability to pay. Families with children enrolled in Medicaid do not pay for any ECI service.

Evaluation/assessment, development of the Individual Family Service Plan, Case Management, Translation, and Interpreter services are provided at no cost to any family, regardless of income.

Eligibility for Early Childhood Intervention is determined by a team of at least two Brighton Center professionals from different pediatric therapy disciplines (speech, occupational, physical). An evaluation determines the nature and extent of the child’s abilities, delays, or difficulties. This evaluation is done at no cost to parents.

The ECI staff determines eligibility for infants and toddlers (birth to 36 months) based on:

• Medically-diagnosed Condition: A child who has a medically-diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay qualifies for ECI. The diagnosis must be on the HHSC ECI list of qualifying diagnoses, and medical records that confirm the diagnosis must be provided.
• Auditory or Visual Impairment: A child with an auditory or visual impairment, as defined by the Texas Education Agency rule at 19 TAC Section 89.1040, qualifies for ECI. This determination is made by a team led by certified staff from the local independent school district.
• Developmental Delay: A child with a developmental delay of at least 25%, affecting functioning in one or more areas of development (cognition, communication, gross/fine motor, social-emotional, and/or adaptive/self-help), qualifies for ECI.

If found eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is then created that identifies the child’s unique strengths and needs and lists the types of pediatric therapy services necessary to meet these needs.

If you are concerned that an infant or toddler may have a developmental delay or disability, contact ECI for an evaluation. Anyone can make a referral, including parents, family members, healthcare professionals, social workers, caregivers, friends, or neighbors. A referral may be based on professional judgment or general concern. Call ECI at 210-826-4492 or fill out this form.

Prior authorization is not required for ECI Services. A signed Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) serves as the prior authorization for ECI Services so Specialized Skills Training and Speech Language Pathology can begin immediately. Physical and Occupational Therapy require doctor recommendation.

If you are concerned that your child may have a developmental delay or disability, call ECI at 210-826-4492, or fill out this form to receive more information. An ECI professional will provide an evaluation to determine your child’s eligibility for ECI.

ECI helps children from birth to 36 months.

No, ECI will come to you. ECI professionals provide ECI services in places familiar to your child – where they live, learn, and play – like at your home, at their childcare, or in a community setting – where your child feels most comfortable.

Yes. You may call and speak with ECI referral staff about your child’s development: 210-826-4492 Or fill out this FORM for more information.  You may also want to track your child’s developmental milestones to see how they are doing. Not reaching these milestones, or reaching them much later than other children, could be a sign of a developmental delay.

No, anyone can make a referral (a parent, family member, health care professional, social worker, caregiver, friend or neighbor.) Simply, call ECI: 210-826-4492 Or fill out this FORM for more information.

A child who already has a medically diagnosed condition, which has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay, automatically qualifies for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). That diagnosis must be on HHSC/ECI’s list of qualifying medical diagnoses; medical records must be provided to confirm the diagnosis. To get started, call ECI and make a referral: 210-826-4492 Or fill out this FORM for more information.

Yes. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) can help. If you are concerned that your child may have a developmental delay or disability, call ECI: 210-826-4492 Or fill out this FORM for more information. Early intervention is best.

If you are concerned that the foster child may have a developmental delay or disability, contact ECI for an evaluation. Anyone can request an evaluation (a parent, family member, health care professional, social worker, caregiver, friend or neighbor.) Call ECI to make a referral or for more information: 210-826-4492 Or fill out this FORM for more information.

Prior to the child’s 3rd birthday, ECI helps the family plan for services and supports elsewhere – after the child graduates from ECI (for example: the local school district, Head Start, private ECI services, or other resources in the community).

At age 3, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services may be provided by your local school district, Head Start, private pediatric therapy services, or other resources in the community. You may contact your local school district for more information. To determine the school district in which you live, visit the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.