Thinking about the development areas: Physical, Cognitive, Emotional, Language; Milestones are things we expect children to do at certain ages. For example, we expect a two-month-old baby to smile when you smile at them, and we expect that a two-year-old child can point to body parts when asked. These ages can vary because each child is different, which makes screening important.

If a child reaches milestones earlier than expected, we say they are “advanced.” If they reach them later, we say they are “delayed.” A child can be advanced in one area but delayed in another. If a child is delayed, we would like them to see a specialist who knows about child development, this is a “referral”. This person can help create a plan to support the child. Testing in all areas of development is important because finding delays early makes it easier to help the child get back on track.

You can learn more about Developmental Milestones at the CDC 

A screen is a tool to check if the child may have a delay. It is a short set of questions that asks the parent about what their child can or cannot do. A trained person or “specialist” scores the answers. If it seems the child might have a delay, this is a “positive screening” and then the child is referred (or sent) to ECI for an evaluation.

You can have your child screened at their well child visit.

This means a person trained in childhood development will see the child, at home or through a video call, and do a more in-depth test with them. This is done free through the ECI program.

If the child has a delay, then they are referred (or sent) for an intervention.

This means the person who evaluated your child wants to make a plan for them to get back on track. They will talk to you about who the child needs to see and what you can do at home to help your child too. This is done through the ECI program.

ECI stands for “Early Childhood Intervention” It is a program that is run by the state. They will know if your child has a delay and should be in an intervention program or not. This is who your pediatrician or screening specialist will refer you to if they think your child might have a delay. They are the ones who will do the Evaluation and the Intervention.

You can refer your child yourself if you think there is a delay. Just visit  https://citysearch.hhsc.state.tx.us/

• Search for your area by zip code
• Call the center near you and ask for ECI Services
• The amount you pay for ECI, if any, is based on your family’s income and someone will work with you to come up with the best plan for your family.
• If you have Medicaid, you will not have to pay for this help. If you have private insurance and Medicaid, Medicaid will want your private insurance to be billed first.
• No one is turned away because they cannot pay