What is ECI?
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
helps babies and toddlers, ages birth to 3, with disabilities or delays
in their development. ECI supports families through education and family
services to help their children reach their potential.
What
are ECI services?
Families and staff work as a team to
develop a plan outlining services for the child and family. Together they
plan appropriate activities. Services are provided in the home and community
settings and help children learn basic skills as part of their family's
daily routines.
Services for children could include:
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screenings and assessments, including
hearing and vision
-
physical, occupational, speech and language
therapy
-
activities to develop learning and eating
skills
-
activities to help social and emotional
development
-
assistive technology
-
moving on to school or other services
as needed at age 3 or when graduating from the program
-
nutritional services
-
supporting child care or preschool teachers
of enrolled children
Services for families could include:
-
education and counseling
-
coordination of needed social and health
services
-
access to support groups
How much do ECI services cost?
Effective January 1, 2004, some ECI families will share in the cost of ECI Services.
ECI has established a Family Cost Share for families.
Not all families will have to pay for ECI services. In fact, many will not be subject to a Family Cost Share. If your family currently has Medicaid or CHIP for your enrolled child or has income with 200% of the Federal poverty level, you will not be charged for services. If your private insurance will pay for any ECI provided service in a month, you will not be charged a Family Cost Share for that month.
What do other families say about
ECI?
Click here
to read what other families say about their ECI experience.
How do I find ECI?
Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath
Systems Program serves Collin, Kaufman,
and Rockwall Counties of Texas. If you are in the Plano School District
you will need to contact Infant and Toddler
Intervention Program. If you're not
in this area call the DARS Inquiries line at 1-800-628-5115 to find your local
program. For TDD dial 1-866-581-9328.
What happens after I call?
You will be referred to a local ECI
program. Your ECI program will check your child for developmental delay
and eligibility for enrollment in an ECI program. Once a child is enrolled,
a family plan will be developed and services will begin. If the child is
not eligible for ECI, staff will refer you to other resources.
What if my child is age 3 or older?
Services are available for children
and young adults with a disability (ages 3 to 21) through your local school
district or LifePath Systems.
What is LifePath Systems?
LifePath Systems provides a wide range of services to individuals of
all ages and their families. Our mission is to build stronger communities,
person by person.
In all of our programs we adhere to the following Quality Services principles:
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All persons seeking services will receive individualized supports based
on their unique needs and strengths;
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Assisting and educating families and friends helps build a natural support
network for each person;
-
Partnerships with employers, schools, law enforcement, other providers
and community leaders improve our effectiveness and efficiency;
and
-
We must work continuously to eliminate any stigma associated with seeking
services.
At LifePath Systems, we have a fully qualified and highly trained staff
who are able to provide comprehensive care in the areas of:
| Therapy |
Rehabilitation |
Housing |
Employment |
| Respite |
Psychiatric care |
Counseling |
Case management |
We work with many insurers, state funding agencies, Medicaid, and other
sources of funds. Whenever possible, LifePath offers services based
on a sliding fee scale.
LifePath Systems was created in 1986 by the Collin County Commissioners
Court and was established in compliance with the Texas statutes that describe
community mental health mental retardation centers. Nine volunteer
trustees are appointed by the Commissioners to oversee operations.
Three major divisions offer mental health, mental retardation and early
childhood intervention services. Although all of our mental health
facilities are in Collin County, LifePath is a major provider for individuals
within a seven-county region, including and surrounding Dallas. LifePath
is the designated Mental Retardation Authority and directly provides many
services as well. All of the MR facilities are located in Collin
County and services are offered only to individuals in Collin County due
to state requirements. Our fastest growing program is Early Childhood
Intervention Services with locations serving Collin, Rockwall and Kaufman
counties.
Please feel free to call our Administration office (972) 562-0190 for
more information or for a referral to one of our outstanding programs.
J. Randy Routon, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
