As parents, we have a certain sixth sense when it comes to our children. Even when cries sound the same, we can tell the difference between a "hungry cry," a "dirty diaper cry," and a "hold me cry." Sometimes, we get the feeling that something is not quite right, but we can't put our fingert on it. So, we reach out to others and express our concerns and receive reassurances that everything is fine and our child is developing normally.

What happens when the feeling that something is not right just will not go away? Louis Rosetti, a Speech-Language Pathologist and renowned interventionist, once told a large group of Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) staff members that 70% of the time when a parent or caregiver has a feeling that something isn't right, they are correct. There are any number of reasons why a child might not be meeting developmental milestones at the same rate as others the same age, and it does not automatically mean something bad.

That's where ECI can serve as a resource for families. Our intake coordinators are available to gather information about your child and, at your request, conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for additional assistance from our highly qualified and passionate therapists, case managers, and early intervention specialists. As always, we are available to answer questions and be of assistance. More information about ECI can be found at http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis.

Chasey Reed-Boston, ECI Program Director