Make a Referral to ECI

ECI encourages families not to take a "wait and see" approach to a child's development. A referral to ECI can be based on professional judgment or a family's concern. A medical diagnosis or a confirmed developmental delay is not needed to refer. As soon as a delay is suspected, children may be referred to ECI, even as early as birth.

To refer a child, up to 36 months of age, please contact the ECI program in your area. ECI contracts with different organizations to provide ECI services throughout Texas. Some urban areas with large populations have several ECI programs. Each ECI program provides services to families living in specific areas identified by ZIP code.

There are 3 ways to find your local ECI program:

  1. Use the ECI Program Search page to enter your ZIP code, county or city.
  2. Call the HHS Office of the Ombudsman at 1-877-787-8999, select a language, and then select Option 3. The Ombudsman staff will ask for your zip code, county or city and provide the name and number of the local ECI program. Callers with hearing impairment may use the relay option of their choice or dial 7-1-1 to connect with Relay Texas.
  3. Submit an online request to the HHS Ombudsman. Please include your ZIP code, county or city to help identify your local ECI program.

If you are a physician or healthcare professional, please visit our For Health and Medical Professionals webpage to find the ECI Physician Referral Form and for additional information on Ways to Make a Referral to ECI.