Federal and state legislation now requires all health service professionals (including audiologists) to refer children under the age of three to the Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) within two working days of identifying the child with a developemental delay.
The Two-Day Rule is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The goal of these regulations is to ensure that every family with a young child having a developmental delay or disability is made aware of ECI services to which they and there children are entitled. These services are available to eligible families at no cost, regardless of income.
ECI services for an eligible child might include: speech/language therapy, educational activities, physical therapy etc. ECI also coordinates childcare services, nutritional services, social work services and other support group services.
To contact the ECI State Office, call 1-800-250-2246. Operators will direct callers to a local program, which will then contact the family to schedule an assessment to determine eligibility.
Legislation Requires Prompt Referral of Children with Developmental Delay
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