Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)

1. Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Texas Early Childhood Intervention

2. What is ECI? ECI is a division of Early Childhood Intervention Services. A coordinated system of services and supports for Texas families who have children, birth to age 3, with delays in development, atypical development or disabilities. Texas Early Childhood Intervention

3. Part C Program Under IDEA Established by Congress in 1986 in recognition of “an urgent and substantial need” to: • enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities; • reduce educational costs by minimizing the need for special education through early intervention; • minimize the likelihood of institutionalization, and maximize independent living; and, • enhance the capacity of families to meet their child's needs. Texas Early Childhood Intervention

4. Legislation for ECI Services Texas Early Childhood Intervention

5. ECI Funding • ECI is funded through federal, state, and local funds, Medicaid, insurance and a family cost share system Texas Early Childhood Intervention

6. ECI Funding (continued) • Families with children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, or whose income is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level do not pay for any services. • Other families pay a cost share determined by a sliding fee scale and based on family size and income after allowable deductions. NO CHILD AND FAMILY WILL BE TURNED AWAY BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY Texas Early Childhood Intervention

7. How is a child eligible for ECI services? Developmental Delay Atypical Development Medical Diagnosis Texas Early Childhood Intervention

8. Steps in the ECI Process First Steps: Getting Started in ECI • Referral • Referral to first contact should be no more than 10 days (State ECI recommended practice) • Comprehensive assessment/evaluation – IFSP meeting within 45 days (Federal Law) • Intake Texas Early Childhood Intervention

9. Steps in the ECI Process Next Steps: ECI Services • Service Plan (IFSP) Meeting and Family Cost Share Agreement (FCSA) Signed • Delivery of Services • IFSP Review of Service Plan • IFSP Reviews includes annual eligibility re-determination and annual assessment. Every 6 months, annually and as needed (Federal Law) • Annual Assessment and Eligibility Determination Service Plan (IFSP) – Review Family Cost Share Agreement (FCSA) • Need for change in Services, Re-evaluation/Assessment or Family Cost Share Agreement Revision Texas Early Childhood Intervention

10. Steps in the ECI Process Future Steps: Leaving ECI • Transition/Discharge • Transition Plan must be developed and in IFSP by 2nd birthday (State ECI policy) • Transition – at least 120 days before3rd birthday (State ECI policy) • Federal Law requires conference at least 90 days before child’s 3rd birthday (Federal Law) • Child leaves ECI and begins services from receiving program 3rd birthday (State ECI policy) Texas Early Childhood Intervention

11. Assistive Technology Audiology Assessment Developmental Services Family Counseling Health Services Home Visits Medical Services Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Psychological Services Service Coordination Screening Social Work Services Speech-Language Pathology Transportation to ECI related services Vision Services Other… Array of ECI Services A child must have a current physical for all services, except service coordination, family counseling or family education, to begin Texas Early Childhood Intervention

12. Billing Process Texas Early Childhood Intervention

13. Services are provided in homes and community settings. • Young children learn best when they are taught skills during the times and in the places where they need to use these skills. Texas Early Childhood Intervention