11 Nov 2009
Children and Families Will Continue to Be Served
Dallas–The Dallas Independent School District has notified the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) that, effective February 1, 2010, early childhood intervention (ECI) services to children ages birth to 36 months will be discontinued by the district and transferred to other agencies.
Dallas ISD has begun the process of transitioning ECI services to local, approved agencies to serve as new providers so that service is not interrupted.
"This is a decision that is not taken lightly but is made in the best interests of the children and families that the program is meant to serve," said Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "ECI services have changed significantly since the 1970s when the program was established. The complexity of billing and staffing, in addition to provision of year-round services, has caused special education staff to consider alternative options that will best serve eligible children and families in the long run."
ECI services were initially based in schools and classrooms at no cost to families throughout the school year. As the program has evolved, services are now provided year-round in the homes and community settings of eligible children and families, requiring the collection of revenue for eligible costs that were not previously reimbursed by Medicaid or other payment sources.
Currently, the district serves approximately 420 children and families. Families receiving ECI Services are being notified of the district's plans to discontinue the contract with DARS while ensuring that enrolled families will be transitioned to their new ECI providers. The district will work in collaboration with the state agency and newly assigned ECI providers to ensure a smooth transition for current children and families.
"The goal with this transition is to ensure that children and families are served just as well as they have been previously," said Hinojosa. "We look forward to working with the other approved agencies to make certain that this process goes smoothly."
"Dallas ISD principals and their teachers are no longer focusing on teaching to the test but rather creating academically challenging assignments that will better prepare students for college and the world of work. Dallas ISD has become an exemplar for urban schools as an effort based district that focuses on high achievement for all students."
-Institute for Learning
University of Pittsburgh
June 2009