Child Find and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Transition
Child Find
Preschool children with disabilities can be identified in two ways. They may be identified through Child Find efforts. All local education agencies must participate in Child Find efforts within their attendance areas. They are responsible to locate and offer to provide services to all children with disabilities from birth through the age of 21. Child Find in Region 20 is called "Reach and Teach." Should you have questions about this program, or know or suspect a child may have a disability and be in need of services, please call 1-888-480-KIDS.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program
Children identified before their third birthday are served by Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs. A transition process is outlined in the law between ECI programs and school districts. Its purpose is to provide a smooth transition between the separate entities and that the student continues to receive needed services. The Texas Education Agency and the Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention have recently put together a draft of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding this transition. It can be viewed online at www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/mou/etmou.html. Districts are encouraged to work with local ECI providers to develop local MOUs. Assistance in this process can be obtained from the Region 20 Preschool Specialist, Will Baker, at will.baker@esc20.net or (210) 370-5479.
ECI Programs Transition Plan: Three Means Three
Parents of children in ECI programs should know that a transition plan for movement into PPCD should be in place by the child’s second birthday in the Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP). Districts, parents, and ECI staff should meet 120 days before the child’s third birthday for a face-to-face meeting. At least 90 days before the child’s third birthday, a referral should be made to the district for an Initial Comprehensive Individual Assessment. It is important to note that, even though a child may be eligible for services by an ECI program, that does not mean the child will be eligible for special education services from a school district’s PPCD program. Once the assessment has been completed, the local school district should convene an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting. This meeting must occur before a child’s third birthday. Should a child in this process be determined to be eligible for services, the child must begin to receive those services on or before his/her third birthday. Three means three. Should a child turn three in the summer, the ARD committee must meet before the child turns three and determine if Extended School Year services are needed.
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