Early Childhood Special Education
Resources for Families, Educators and Administrators
-
The Texas Education Agency has established preschool priorities for ESCs, which include:
- Providing technical assistance to support children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 years. This includes staff development and training for general and special education administrators, teachers, and personnel from other programs serving children with disabilities, in areas of curriculum content, instructional methodologies, and assistive technology.
-
Clarification of federal and state laws regarding preschool children with disabilities.
-
Dissemination of information from the Texas Preschool Evaluation Project (TPEP), the Showcase of Promising Practices, and other recommended practices.
-
Providing program support in appropriate individualized assessments for preschool children with disabilities.
-
Participating with agency personnel to promote and implement leadership activities for preschool children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 years.
-
Assisting in planning and developing a statewide comprehensive service delivery system for children with disabilities from birth through 5 years of age enrolled in special education. This involves facilitating and participating in interagency collaboration activities with other agencies providing service to preschool children with disabilities , disseminating information and strategies pertaining to the transition process among and between intervention (ECI) programs to preschool programs for children with disabilities and from preschool programs for children with disabilities to prekindergarten, kindergarten programs, or other educational settings , and supporting school districts in establishing a network of communication and collaboration to provide a continuum of settings for children 3 to 5 years of age with disabilities.
-
Evaluating the effectiveness of all training, technical assistance activities, and services provided by the ESC at the regional level.
-
Local ResourcesJoin the Parent Network Email GroupSPEDTEXSteps to Independence
Local Support & Resources
-
West Texas Rehab: Jeanell Owens (325) 793-3500
-
King David’s Kids: Crystal Canada (325) 668-3913
-
-
-
-
-
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
ECI is a statewide program for families with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations across Texas.
What is ECI?
ECI is a statewide program for families with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations across Texas.
ECI MOU 2025-2026 ECI Vision and Hearing Flowchart
ECI PROGRAMS
Little Lives ECI Betty Hardwick ECI Center for Life ECI
Upcoming EventsLocal ResourcesJoin the Parent Network Email GroupSPEDTEXSteps to Independence
Local Support & Resources
-
West Texas Rehab: Jeanell Owens (325) 793-3500
-
King David’s Kids: Crystal Canada (325) 668-3913
Special Education Program Reporting (SPPI)
SPPI 6 | Least Restrictive Environment
The percent of children aged 3 through 5 with IEPs attending a regular early childhood program and receiving the majority of special education and related services in the regular early childhood program; or a separate special education class, a separate school, or residential facility.
Decision Tree for Reporting Preschool Education Environments
SPPI 7 | Early Childhood Outcomes
The percent of children aged 3 through 5 with IEPs who demonstrate improved positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships);
use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs; and acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/communication and early literacy).
Data Collection Information
SPPI 12 | Transition
State Performance Plan (SPP) Indicator 12 measures the percentage of students referred by Part C/Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) prior to age 3 who are found eligible for Part B/District Special Education Services and who have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) developed and implemented by their third birthday.
Data Collection Information:
-
SPPI 6 | Least Restrictive Environment
The percent of children aged 3 through 5 with IEPs attending a regular early childhood program and receiving the majority of special education and related services in the regular early childhood program; or a separate special education class, a separate school, or residential facility.Decision Tree for Reporting Preschool Education Environments
-
SPPI 7 | Early Childhood Outcomes
The percent of children aged 3 through 5 with IEPs who demonstrate improved positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships);
use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs; and acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/communication and early literacy).Data Collection Information
-
SPPI 12 | Transition
State Performance Plan (SPP) Indicator 12 measures the percentage of students referred by Part C/Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) prior to age 3 who are found eligible for Part B/District Special Education Services and who have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) developed and implemented by their third birthday.Data Collection Information: