Status: In-depth research draft (review_status: in_review). Awaiting reviewer sign-off. Not indexed.
Texas: where to start
Official starting points in Texas for children with developmental, learning, attention or mental health needs. Waylight Parents links to these pages; it has not evaluated how any state office performs.
Quick answer. In Texas, children under 3 start with the state early intervention program, and children 3 and older start with a written evaluation request to the local school district. Medicaid and the state developmental disabilities agency can help with services and funding. Below are the official links we checked, plus the free Parent Center for families.
Updated
Money that may help pay for services, school or tools
- Early intervention (birth to 3): Texas Early Childhood Intervention (HHSC). Free or low-cost developmental services for babies and toddlers. Source: Texas Early Childhood Intervention (HHSC) · checked 2026-10-30
- School choice money: Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). State education savings account program. Source: Texas Education Freedom Accounts: families · checked 2026-10-30
- Medicaid waiver: Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP). Waiver for children and young adults 20 and under who need a high level of medical care. Waitlists and eligibility rules apply. Source: Texas HHS: MDCP · checked 2026-10-30
- Medicaid EPSDT (under 21): If your child is on Medicaid and under 21, Medicaid's EPSDT benefit covers screening, diagnostic services and medically necessary care. Ask your state Medicaid agency what this means for your child. Source: Medicaid.gov: EPSDT · state agency: Texas HHSC Medicaid and CHIP
Eligibility rules differ. Check each official page; we list only what we have checked.
Official starting points
- Early Intervention (birth to 3): hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- Developmental disabilities agency: hhs.texas.gov/services/disability Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- Medicaid: hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- State education department: tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
What we found in official sources
Texas is one of three states with in-depth research in v0. Facts were read from the cited official pages on 2026-10-27 and paraphrased. A reviewer must sign off before publication.
Ages 0–3: Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
- Under federal law, ECI evaluations, assessments and IFSPs are provided at no cost to parents. A child with a developmental delay of at least 25% in one or more areas can qualify; if the only delay is in expressive language, the delay must be at least 33% initially. Source: Texas HHS: ECI Services
Health coverage
- Texas has insurance rules and a statute on autism coverage: Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1355 and 28 Texas Administrative Code sections 21.3510–21.3518, 21.4401–21.4404 and 26.409. TDI's page lists them (last updated 3/25/2025). We have not yet summarised the age or benefit limits, so read the statute and rules directly. Source: TDI: Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Because demand for community-based services often outweighs resources, applicants may be placed on an interest list until services are available. Source: Texas HHS: Interest List Reduction
School (special education) timelines
- The school's evaluation report is due within 45 school days of the parent's written consent. The period is extended when the student is absent 3 or more days during it. If consent is given at least 35 but fewer than 45 school days before the last instructional day, the report is due by June 30. Source: TEA SPED Support: Evaluation
- The ARD committee (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) determines eligibility within 30 calendar days of the evaluation report. Parents must receive at least 5 school days' notice of the ARD meeting. Source: TEA SPED Support: Evaluation
- Prior written notice is due within 15 school days of a written parent request for an evaluation; a verbal request does not start that clock. Re-evaluation happens no more than once a year and at least every 3 years. Source: TEA SPED Support: Evaluation
- A special education complaint to TEA must be in writing and signed, describe the violations and facts, and a copy must go to the school or district it names. Source: TEA: Special Education Complaints Process
Parent support, scholarships and planning
- Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit that runs the federally funded Texas Parent Training and Information Centers (PACT, PATH, PEN and TEAM) and offers free webinars and workshops. Source: PRN Texas
- Texas ABLE requires the disability to be present before age 46 and the applicant to be a Texas resident. Source: Texas ABLE: Eligibility
- The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program is not accepting applications for 2026–27 and lists an interest list for 2027–28. See the scholarship tracker for details. Source: TEFA: Families
Not yet covered
- Insurance Code Chapter 1355 age and benefit limits — read statute before summarising.
- STAR Kids and waiver program pages — not yet fetched.
Federal help in every state
Federal special education law applies in every state. Find your Parent Training and Information Center (free help for families).
Common questions
Where do I start early intervention for a child under 3 in Texas?
Use the official state page: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services (checked on 2026-10-27).
Where do I find special education information in Texas?
Use the state education department page: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education (checked on 2026-10-27).
How long does the school have to evaluate my child in Texas?
The evaluation report is due within 45 school days of the parent's written consent, and the ARD committee decides eligibility within 30 calendar days of the report. Source: TEA SPED Support: Evaluation.
Who gives free help to parents in Texas?
Every state has at least one federally funded Parent Training and Information Center that helps families understand special education rights for free. Find yours at parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center.
How does early intervention work in Texas?
Under federal law, ECI evaluations, assessments and IFSPs are provided at no cost to parents. A child with a developmental delay of at least 25% in one or more areas can qualify; if the only delay is in expressive language, the delay must be at least 33% initially.
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