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There's a moment a lot of EI families describe the same way. Their child's third birthday is on the horizon, services are about to end, and someone hands them a packet about the IEP process. And the feeling isn't relief that they made it through early intervention. It's more like: wait, now what?
I hear this constantly from families. The transition out of early intervention is one of the most confusing moments in the whole therapy journey — and no one really prepares you for it. So let's talk about what actually happens in Texas.
The shift from IFSP to IEP
In Texas, early intervention is called Early Childhood Intervention, or ECI — a statewide program run by Health and Human Services with local programs covering every county. ECI services end at age 3, and transition planning can start as early as nine months before your child's third birthday. You can find your local program at hhs.texas.gov.
What the transition process looks like
ECI contacts your local school district at least 90 days before your child's third birthday — but only with your written consent. The school district has 45 school days to complete an evaluation and 30 calendar days from the evaluation date to hold an ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee meeting. That's Texas's term for the IEP team meeting. The entire process — evaluation, eligibility, and IEP — must be completed by your child's third birthday.
The key word is "if." Some children who qualified for ECI don't qualify for an IEP. If that happens, ECI staff can connect you with community and private therapy options.
What school-based services look like after the transition
If your child qualifies for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), services are provided through your local school district or charter school. Session frequency is often lower than ECI. The focus moves from family routines to school readiness.
What happens if your child doesn't qualify, or if the services aren't enough
The ARD process is not the end of the road. At Coral Care, we work with Texas families who are bridging the gap, supplementing an IEP, or continuing in-home therapy as their primary service.
A few things to know before the ARD meeting
In Texas, you are an essential member of the ARD committee — not a passive recipient. You can ask questions, push back, and request changes. You can request an independent evaluation if you disagree with the school's findings. If the proposed services feel insufficient, you don't have to sign the IEP as written. Keep copies of everything.
The birthday doesn't have to be a cliff
The third birthday is a transition, not an ending. If you're approaching this in Texas and you're not sure what to do next, we're here to help.
Continue Your Child's Care with Coral Care →
Frequently asked questions
What is ECI in Texas?
ECI stands for Early Childhood Intervention — Texas's early intervention program for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. It's administered by Health and Human Services (HHS) and has local programs covering every county in the state. Find yours at hhs.texas.gov.
What happens when Texas ECI services end at age 3?
ECI services end at your child's third birthday. With your written consent, ECI contacts your local school district at least 90 days before the birthday to initiate transition. The district evaluates your child, and if eligible, an ARD committee develops an IEP that must be in place by the third birthday.
What is an ARD meeting in Texas?
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal — Texas's term for the IEP team meeting. The ARD committee includes you as an essential member, along with educators and district representatives. You cannot be excluded, and your input is required when developing your child's IEP.
Does my child automatically qualify for an IEP after Texas ECI?
No. ECI eligibility doesn't transfer. The school district evaluates your child under different criteria, and some children who received ECI services won't qualify for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). ECI staff can help connect you to private and community options if your child doesn't qualify.
Can my child get in-home therapy in Texas after ECI ends?
Yes. Coral Care provides in-home speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children across Texas. Many families use in-home therapy to continue uninterrupted care after ECI ends, especially while waiting for school-based services to start or if their child doesn't qualify for ECSE.
