Is your child talking less than other kids their age?
In Texas, you can get a free speech evaluation. ECI helps if your child is under 3, and your public school district helps from age 3. Choose your city to see who to call and what happens next.
If something on this list worries you, you don’t need to wait and see. You can ask for a free evaluation right away.
Each city guide shows who to call, what therapy costs, what happens next and places nearby to talk and play.
Don’t see your city? ECI and public school districts serve families across Texas.
An evaluation is a check of how your child talks and understands words. It usually happens through play, often with a speech therapist.
ECI is Texas’s early intervention program for babies and toddlers up to 36 months. You can call ECI yourself, without a doctor’s referral.
Your public school district evaluates children from age 3 for free, even before they start school. Send a short written request to its special education office.
Your child’s doctor can refer you to a speech therapist. You can also contact a children’s hospital, a university clinic or a private clinic.
These services are run independently of Speech Blubs.
Short answers about free help, costs and the app.
The evaluation is free: through ECI under age 3, or through your public school district from age 3. School speech services are free if your child qualifies. ECI therapy costs depend on family size and income, and no family is turned away because they can’t pay. Find free help.
Texas Medicaid covers speech therapy for children when it’s medically necessary. Private plans differ, so call the number on your insurance card and ask about pediatric speech therapy. Find free help.
Not for ECI or the school district: you can contact them yourself. Texas Medicaid and many insurance plans need a referral from your child’s doctor. Find free help.
Many 2-year-olds put two words together, like “more milk.” If your child doesn’t yet, it’s a good time to ask ECI for a free evaluation. You don’t need to wait and see. Find free help.
No. Speech Blubs is an app with short activities to practice together at home. A speech therapist evaluates your child and plans the therapy.
