Early intervention or a private evaluation?
How Texas Early Childhood Intervention works for children under 3, when a private evaluation helps, and how to plan the transition to school.
Last reviewed November 5, 2026
The short version
- Texas Early Childhood Intervention serves children from birth to age 3 with developmental concerns.
- ECI is free or low-cost and can include therapy, service coordination and a family plan.
- A private evaluation can go deeper or answer a diagnostic question, but it does not replace ECI.
- At age 3, services transition to the school district; plan early.
- You can use ECI and a private evaluation at the same time.
If you are worried about a toddler’s development, the first question is often whether to call the state program or a private clinic. The answer is usually both, in the right order. This guide explains how Texas Early Childhood Intervention works and when a private evaluation adds value.
What Early Childhood Intervention is
ECI is a statewide program for children from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or a qualifying medical condition. It is family-centered and usually provided in the home or a familiar setting.
Services can include:
- Speech, language or communication therapy
- Occupational or physical therapy
- Developmental services
- Service coordination
- Family training and support
- Help with feeding, sleep or behavior routines
ECI is free for many families. Some services use a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.
How to refer
Call your local ECI program or the statewide ECI line. In most cases you do not need a doctor’s referral. A service coordinator will explain the process, schedule an evaluation and help with paperwork.
You can also ask your pediatrician for a referral. Keep a record of the call and any screening results.
What the ECI evaluation looks like
A team evaluates the child’s development in areas such as communication, movement, thinking, social-emotional skills and self-help. The team also asks about daily routines and family priorities.
If the child is eligible, the team writes an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with goals, services and timelines. The plan is reviewed regularly.
When a private evaluation helps
A private evaluation may be useful when:
- You need a diagnostic answer, such as whether autism is present
- ECI eligibility is unclear
- You want a fuller measurement of thinking, language or adaptive skills
- You need documentation for another provider, agency or school
- You want a second opinion
A private diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for ECI. ECI has its own eligibility rules, and the team makes its own decision. The two processes can share information with your permission.
What to bring
- Any medical records, screening results or prior evaluations
- A list of concerns and when you first noticed them
- Information about daily routines, sleep, feeding and communication
- Names of other providers
- Questions you want answered
The transition at age 3
ECI ends at age 3. The school district becomes responsible for special education services. The transition should begin well before the third birthday.
Ask for:
- A transition meeting with the school district
- The district’s evaluation timeline
- A copy of the IFSP and any private reports
- Information about how eligibility is decided
Our IEP and 504 guide explains the school process. Our private vs. school evaluation guide explains how the two evaluations differ.
A note about our role
Fair Winds evaluates children from 12 months through adulthood. We can provide a private evaluation when a family needs a diagnostic answer or a fuller picture. We do not replace ECI or school services.
Call 817-735-4165 to ask what an evaluation for a toddler includes.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice.
Questions and answers
ECI basics
What is Early Childhood Intervention?
ECI is a Texas program for children from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or a qualifying medical condition. It provides services such as speech, occupational or physical therapy, service coordination and family support.
How do I refer a child to ECI?
Call your local ECI program or the statewide ECI line. You do not need a doctor's referral in most cases. A service coordinator will explain the process and schedule an evaluation.
Does ECI cost anything?
ECI is free for many families. Some services may use a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. Ask your local program about cost.
What happens at the ECI evaluation?
A team evaluates the child's development, talks with the family about daily routines and decides whether the child is eligible. If eligible, the team writes an Individualized Family Service Plan with goals and services.
Private evaluation
When might a private evaluation help?
Consider one when you need a diagnostic answer, a fuller picture, a second opinion or documentation for another provider. A private evaluation can also help when ECI eligibility is unclear.
Does a private diagnosis qualify a child for ECI?
Not automatically. ECI has its own eligibility rules. A private report can support the conversation, but the ECI team makes its own decision.
Can we do both?
Yes. Many families use ECI for early services and arrange a private evaluation for a deeper diagnostic question. Share information between providers with the family's permission.
Transition
What happens at age 3?
ECI services end at age 3, and the school district becomes responsible for special education services. The transition should begin well before the third birthday. Ask for a transition meeting and for the school's evaluation timeline.
What if we are not sure whether to wait?
Do not wait to ask. Early support can make a difference, and evaluations take time. Call ECI or our office and describe what you are seeing.