PIP/ECI
PIP/ECI, Parents in Partnership Early Childhood Intervention Program, is a program founded in 1975 that is targeted to children in the critical developmental time between birth and 36 months of age. PIP ECI serves families of all income levels in the communities of Garland ISD. 
Who is Eligible?
Infants and toddlers who have a medical diagnosis, a developmental delay or atypical development is eligible for the PIP ECI program.
Others may exhibit delays in one of these areas:
- Cognitive Development
- Sensory-Motor Development, including hearing and vision
- Language and Speech Development
- Social Development
- Self-Help
- Skills Development which are atypical
For any child with medical needs or a developmental delay, Early intervention is critical.
Often, the early intervention will allow the child to "catch up" to his/her peers by the time they reach school age. Other times, support systems are identified and put into place so that they can be continued as the child grows. ECI is designed to take place in the child's
What are signs of a developmental delay?
3 months
- Movements uncoordinated
- Not making cooing or babbling sounds
- Difficulty sleeping or feeding
- Not smiling back at family members
6 months
- Unable to roll over unassisted
- Does not squeal, babble or make vowel sounds
- Doesn't reach for toys or pick them up
9 months
- Unable to hold bottle
- Unable to sit up unassisted
- Does not copy sounds or gestures
12 months
- Does not look for an object that you hide
- Does not say one or two words
- Does not walk holding onto furniture
18 months
- Can name objects
- Unable to hold a cup or glass without spilling
- Step off low objects and keep balance
24 months
- Does not use 2 or 3 words together
- Cannot feed self with spoon
- Cannot run short distances
Who can make a difference?
- Parent(s) or Guardian(s)
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Hospitals
- Previous PIP Program Participants
- School Districts
- Child-Care Providers
- Other Interested People
Once a referral is made:
PIP/ECI staff members will assemble transdiciplinary team to conduct an individual assessment with the family. Once it is determined that the family will benefit from the PIP ECI program, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed. Through the IFSP, the team will determine the length of the child's individual program and whether the services will be provided at home, in the community, or at the PIP Center. Emphasis is placed on the best interest of the interest of the individual family.
Related Links
DARS Division for Early Childhood Intervention
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
DARS Inquiry line:1-800 628-5115
TDD Line: 1-866-581-9328
Parents in Partnership ECI Program Mailing Address:
2625 Anita Drive Garland, TX 75041
Janet Centola
Director
Phone: 972-926-2671
Jccentol@garlandisd.net
The Parents in Partnership Early Childhood Intervention Program of the Garland Independent School District is an Affiliate of Texas Early Childhood Intervention.