What is Burke ECI?
ECI is an early childhood intervention program that helps families who have children birth through three years of age overcome difficulties in the areas of early development. Together, parents and staff work to improve the child’s physical, cognitive, social, and adaptive development in an effort to build a stronger foundation for the child’s future.
Who is eligible for ECI services?
Burke provides ECI services for children who live in Burke’s service area: Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler counties. Burke ECI staff determine eligibility for children under 3 based on:
- Developmental Delay: children who are delayed in one or more areas of development.
- Atypical development: children who perform within their appropriate age range on test instruments, but whose patterns of development are different from their peers.
- Medically diagnosed condition: children who have a medically diagnosed condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delays.
How long can children receive ECI services?
Children are dismissed from Burke ECI services when:
- a child reaches developmental proficiency, which is determined by comprehensive development inventory or standardized test;
- no longer exhibits atypical development; or
- if the symptoms of the medical diagnosis are resolved and the child and the family do not demonstrate a need for ECI services
- when they reach the age of three.
Where are Burke ECI services provided and how much does it cost?
Services are provided in the child’s natural environment, such as home, daycare, etc. Evaluations are provided at no cost to families, regardless of income. For services, families may pay a cost based on family size and adjusted income after allowable deductions.
When should Burke ECI be called?
There are several “signs” that a child may need ECI services, including:
- If a baby was premature and weighed less than 3 1/2 pounds.
- If a child is 3 months old and cannot follow objects with eyes; grasp rattles or hair, or respond to loud noises.
- If a child is 6 months old and cannot roll over (both ways); sit with minimum support; or babble.
- If a child is 12 months old and cannot say 1 to 2 words; crawl on hands and knees, or pull up to a standing position.
- If a child is 18 months old and cannot step off low objects and keep balance; follow simple directions, and feed him or herself sometimes.
- If a child is 2 years old and cannot use 2 to 3-word sentences; identify hair, eyes, and nose; or run short distances without falling.
How can a child be referred to Burke ECI?
Anyone can refer a child to Burke ECI by calling toll-free 1-877-205-3630. You can download an individual referral form for ECI services here. If you are with a physician’s office, please use the physician referral form, which can be found here.