From ECI to School: A Transition Guide for Parents | Brighton Center San Antonio

The transition from Early Childhood Intervention is a big step for any family. After months or years of receiving ECI services, the idea of your child turning three and "aging out" of the program can feel overwhelming. What happens next? What are your options? How do you make sure your child continues to receive the support they need? At Brighton Center, we want you to know one thing above all else: this is not a step you'll take alone. Since 1969, Brighton Center has been guiding San Antonio families through every stage of their child's developmental journey—and that includes the critical transition out of ECI services. We're here to help you understand all of your options, explore what's best for your unique child, and move forward with confidence.

UNDERSTANDING THE ECI TRANSITION
Brighton Center's Early Childhood Intervention program, commonly known as ECI, offers support for children from birth to age three based on a medical diagnosis or developmental delay. During these early years, services are provided in your home and community, focusing on helping your family support your child's development during the most critical window of brain growth. But when your child turns three, everything changes. They become eligible to transition to the public school system, where services are provided differently. In the school system, the services your child receives will depend on how their delay impacts their learning—not just on the diagnosis or delay itself. This shift can be confusing for families. The rules are different. The terminology is different. The process is different. And suddenly, you're navigating a whole new system.

YOU'RE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT
Here's the most important thing to understand about the ECI transition: when it comes to what's best for your child, you are in the driver's seat. Many families assume that transitioning to public school at age three is the only path. But this isn't always the best option for every child. You have choices, and Brighton Center is here to help you understand all of them. Your child's next step might be public school special education services through your local school district. It could be a Head Start program that provides early childhood education along with comprehensive family services. A private preschool might be the right fit, including Brighton Preschool's inclusive learning environment. Your child might benefit from continuing therapy services at Brighton Center alongside any educational program. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your child's specific strengths, challenges, and needs—and on what matters most to you and your family.

STARTING THE PLANNING PROCESS EARLY
At Brighton Center, we start transition planning early—when your child is about 24 months, or two years old. This timeline isn't arbitrary. Starting a full year before the transition gives you time to explore all of the options available once your child turns three. During this planning period, we help you understand what services your child currently receives and how those might change. We explore the educational and therapy options available in your community. We discuss your goals and priorities for your child's next phase. We help you gather information and visit potential programs. And we prepare you for the meetings and decisions that lie ahead.

BRIGHTON'S SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
If you do decide that transitioning into the school system is the best option for your child, Brighton Center's Special Education Support Services (SESS) team can step in to help. Navigating the public school special education system is complex. There are meetings to attend, documents to understand, and decisions to make that will impact your child's education for years to come. Many parents feel overwhelmed, intimidated, or unsure of their rights. Our SESS team helps families understand how the school system works and what to expect. We help you prepare for important meetings like ARDs and IEP conferences. We can even attend those meetings right alongside you, providing support and guidance in the moment. And we continue to be a resource as your child progresses through the school system. Our number one goal is to empower you to be a strong advocate for your child—not just during the transition, but for years to come.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If your child is approaching the ECI transition—or if you're already in the midst of it and feeling overwhelmed—Brighton Center is here to help. Book a free consultation with our Special Education Support Services team to discuss your child's unique situation and explore your options. You don't have to navigate this transition alone.

🔗 SCHEDULE YOUR FREE SESS CONSULTATION: 🌐 Website: https://www.brightonsa.org 📞 Call Us: 210.826.4492 📋 Request SESS Services: https://brightonsa.org/special-educat... 📍 Serving San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas