Helping Little Ones Grow Big Futures
Supporting children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities — and their families — every step of the way.
What Is ECI?
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) provides in-home and community-based services for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical diagnoses.
Services are provided in the child’s natural environment — like home or childcare settings — and focus on helping children reach their full potential.
Our Mission:
To empower families and support each child’s unique development through high-quality, family-centered services.
ECI Rise
Key Features:
Multidisciplinary team
Your child’s team may include licensed therapists (speech, physical, occupational), early intervention specialists, nutritionists, and service coordinators. We work together — and with you — to support your child’s development.
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
A written plan developed with your input. It outlines your child’s strengths, needs, family goals, and the services your child will receive.
In-home coaching model
We support families by working with them in their natural environment—usually their home---where a coach (typically an early intervention specialist or therapist) helps caregivers learn how to support their child’s development through every day routines.
Culturally and linguistically responsive services
We recognize, respect and respond to the unique cultural backgrounds and languages of the children and families that we serve. We provide services in your family’s preferred language whenever possible and offer interpreters to ensure you fully understand and participate in your child’s services.
Services We Offer
- Developmental Evaluations
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Specialized Skills Training (SST)
- Audiology and Vision Services
- Nutrition
- Service Coordination
- Transition Support to Preschool or Other Programs
Eligibility & Referrals
Who Qualifies?
Children from birth to age 3 who:
- Have a qualifying medical diagnosis (link to HHSC website to find all qualifying diagnosis-ECI Eligible Code Search)
- Confirmed diagnosis of Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) or Visual Impairment (VI)
- Show development delays and meet criteria from a developmental evaluation
How to Refer:
Anyone can make a referral — parents, doctors, child care providers, etc.
Parent Stories
“ECI helped my son find his voice — literally. His first words were with his speech therapist!” — Parent of a 2-year-old
Cost & Funding
No Child Turned Away:
Services are provided regardless of income. ECI uses a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. Many families pay little or nothing. Our program accepts Medicaid, CHIP and most insurance carriers.
Meet the Team
Kenyonika Johnson
Director, Early Childhood Intervention
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Hello, I am Kenyonika Johnson! I’m proud to lead our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program, where we support families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.
Kenyonika Johnson
Hello, I am Kenyonika Johnson! I’m proud to lead our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program, where we support families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. With a background in program leadership and a passion for helping young children thrive, I work alongside a dedicated team of professionals to ensure families receive the services and support they need—when they need it most. Our goal is to partner with you to build on your child’s strengths and support their growth in everyday routines and activities.
Rhonda McDonald
Program Director III, Early Childhood Intervention
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Hello, I'm Rhonda McDonald, a compassionate and dedicated Program Director for the South Team in the Early Intervention (ECI) Program.
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Rhonda McDonald
Hello, I'm Rhonda McDonald, a compassionate and dedicated Program Director for the South Team in the Early Intervention (ECI) Program. I have a passion for the growth and development of early intervention professionals and nurturing and educating infants and toddlers and their parents. I have provided over 40 years of service in early childhood intervention providing oversight, support, and education to early childhood intervention professionals, creating engaging learning environments and supporting relationships of parents and children birth to three years old.
Edgar Pagan-Diaz
Program Director III, Early Childhood Intervention
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Hi, I’m Edgar Pagán-Diaz, and I’m the Program Director for the North Team in the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program at the Harris Center.
Edgar Pagan-Diaz
Hi, I’m Edgar Pagán-Diaz, and I’m the Program Director for the North Team in the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program at the Harris Center. I’ve always been passionate about helping others—it’s something that really drives me, especially when it comes to supporting families. I feel incredibly lucky to have found the ECI program because it lets me do exactly that. Every day, I get to work with an amazing team, helping them support the families we serve. It’s meaningful work, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
Alia Vasilev
Program Director III, Early Childhood Intervention
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
I’m Alia Vasilev, currently the Program Director for the West Team in the Early Childhood Intervention Program at the Harris Center.
Alia Vasilev
I’m Alia Vasilev, currently the Program Director for the West Team in the Early Childhood Intervention Program at the Harris Center. I truly enjoy making a positive impact in the lives of my clients, driven by my love for helping others. I believe in creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and has the chance to thrive. My dedication to improving the lives of those I work with is what makes my journey so fulfilling!
Latasha Jackson
Program Manager III, Early Childhood Intervention
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Hi, I’m Latasha Jackson!
Evangelina “Eva” Rivas
Child Development Specialist Lead, Early Childhood Intervention
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Hello, my name is Eva Rivas. I have proudly served our ECI families for the past 20+ years in this ECI program as an Early Intervention Specialist/Service Coordinator and now as the program’s Trainer.
Evangelina “Eva” Rivas
Hello, my name is Eva Rivas. I have proudly served our ECI families for the past 20+ years in this ECI program as an Early Intervention Specialist/Service Coordinator and now as the program’s Trainer. I look forward to continuing to help serve you and your little one smile, grow and learn in their first three years of life!
Jasmine Milligan
Program Monitor, Early Childhood Intervention
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Hello, my name is Jasmine Milligan, and I serve as the ECI compliance monitor.
Jasmine Milligan
Hello, my name is Jasmine Milligan, and I serve as the ECI compliance monitor. I enjoy participating in community outreach opportunities, and I am happy to provide support to our team members as they serve your family.
Services
Proudly Serving Houston/Harris County
For ECI Services
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For the ECI & IDD Services
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To find an ECI program near you, visit the ECI Program Search page at: ECI Program Search page or call 877-787-8999 .
Events & Announcements
COMING SOON
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re concerned about your child’s development — like speech, movement, behavior, or learning — you can request an initial developmental evaluation. Our team will assess your child’s needs and discuss the next steps with you.
ECI can screen for developmental concerns and refer you for further evaluation if needed. While we don’t diagnose conditions like autism, we can help you navigate the process and connect with specialists.
Prematurity is a factor in developmental delay. We’ll consider your child’s adjusted age during evaluations and determine if they’re eligible for services.
Anyone can make a referral — parents, grandparents, doctors, child care providers, or friends. No doctor’s referral is needed to get started.
Once a referral is made, our team will contact you to schedule a developmental evaluation. If your child qualifies, we’ll work with you to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that outlines goals and services tailored to your family.
We aim to complete the evaluation and begin services quickly. Typically, services begin within 45 days of the referral — but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
We provide services in your child’s natural environment — most often at home, but also at childcare centers, parks, or other community settings where your child spends time.
We do our best to accommodate your family’s schedule. Services can be arranged based on availability.
Before your child turns 3, we’ll help you plan the next steps. This may include transitioning to your local school district, private therapy, or other community services. We’ll support your family every step of the way.
Yes! ECI services can take place in child care settings, and we can collaborate with child care providers to support your child’s goals.
Not exactly. ECI is a separate early intervention program for children under 3. Special education typically begins at age 3 through your local school district. ECI can help with that transition when the time comes.
Yes. Your child can receive services from ECI and private therapy providers at the same time. We’ll work with you to coordinate care and make sure services complement one another — without duplication. Families often find that combining services supports their child’s progress even more effectively.
Contact Us
713-970-4800
ecireferrals@theharriscenter.org
Online Referral Form
9401 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77074
Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
