Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is the statewide system of services for families of babies and toddlers, birth to three, with developmental delays, disabilities that may lead to developmental delays, or atypical development. ECI helps babies and toddlers in their development by providing support, education and family services. This approach assists families in helping their children reach their potential. ECI services are funded through state and federal grants. The state agency responsible for ECI services is the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). DARS contracts with local ECI programs to provide services in every Texas county.

On July 10, the ECI Care Line officially became part of the DARS Inquiries Unit. ECI will now be using only the DARS Inquiries Line (800-628-5115) for referral calls, as well as publications and marketing efforts.

What is the DARS Inquiries Line?
The DARS Inquiries Line answers information and referral calls for all of DARS programs. DARS administers not only ECI, but also the vocational rehabilitation program, programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, and children and adults with disabilities. The staff answering the DARS Inquiries Lines have experience responding to all kinds of calls.

The DARS Inquiries Line staff provide information in English and Spanish. Other languages can be accommodated through Language Line Interpreters. The Inquiries Line is answered Monday through Friday, 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Voice mail is in operation during evenings and weekends.

What does this mean for the community?
Since many people still have publications with the ECI Care Line number, the old Care Line number (800)250-2246 will roll over to the DARS Inquiries Line for a period of time to be determined by usage patterns. Callers will not have to redial the new number.

What can you do to help?
First, as an important referral source and ECI partner, we ask that you update your own organization’s database, web pages and contact lists with the new reference and phone number [DARS Inquiries Line (800) 628-5115 and share this information with your regional and local field staff.

As a community partner, we are asking for your assistance in spreading the word about the change when you attend interagency meetings and meet with parents of potentially eligible children. Also, as new materials are printed and distributed, we ask that you begin replacing your existing posters, growth charts, and developmental brochures with the new ones showing the DARS Inquiries Line.

If you have any questions, please contact Julia Kirby at (512) 424-6796 or Julia.Kirby@dars.state.tx.us

DARS Inquiries Line: (800) 628-5115
DARS TDD/TTY: (866) 581-9328
E-mail: DARS.inquiries@dars.state.tx.us