Region One ECI

05/21/2026

🌟 Transition Thursday Spotlight 🌟

Today we celebrate Nessa Gonzalez and the incredible team supporting her journey every step of the way! 💙

A special thank you to:
✨ Alondra Ruiz – SLP
✨ Samantha Zamora – OT
✨ Matthew Guerrero – PTA
✨ Elizabeth Cisneros – EIS

Your dedication, teamwork, and support continue to make a meaningful difference in helping Nessa grow, learn, and thrive. Thank you all for the impact you make each day! 👏💫

05/20/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Jovita Shives and Norma Flores Child Protective Services Region 11 for the invitation to present for your staff on the topic, “Recognize, Refer, Respond: Supporting Young Children Through Early Intervention.”

It was an honor to collaborate and share the importance of early identification, referrals, and intervention services that help support young children and their families. We truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with such a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community.

Looking forward to continued collaboration and future opportunities to work together in support of children and families! 💙

05/19/2026

As we celebrate **May is Better Speech and Hearing Month** 💙🗣️👂, it’s the perfect time to recognize the important speech and communication milestones children reach from birth to 35 months!

Watching little ones grow and communicate is such an exciting journey! Here are some important milestones to look for along the way:

👶 **Birth–6 Months**
• Reacts to sounds and voices
• Smiles and coos
• Makes different cries for different needs
• Begins babbling (“ba-ba,” “da-da”)

🧸 **7–12 Months**
• Responds to their name
• Understands simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”
• Uses gestures like pointing or waving
• Says first words around 12 months

🚼 **13–18 Months**
• Uses several single words
• Follows simple directions
• Points to familiar objects or people
• Tries to imitate words and sounds

🎨 **19–24 Months**
• Combines 2 words (“more juice,” “mommy go”)
• Vocabulary grows quickly
• Understands simple questions
• Enjoys songs, books, and naming objects

🚂 **25–35 Months**
• Uses short sentences
• Answers simple questions
• Speech becomes easier to understand
• Follows 2-step directions
• Begins conversations and pretend play

💡 Early support can make a big difference. If you have concerns about your child’s speech or communication development, contact **Region One ECI** at **(956) 984-6131** for more information and support.

05/19/2026

Today we celebrate our incredible Speech-Language Pathologists! 💙🗣️✨

From all of us at ECI and the families we are honored to serve, THANK YOU for the patience, compassion, encouragement, and dedication you pour into every child and family each day. Your work goes far beyond words and communication — you help children find their voices, build confidence, connect with others, and reach milestones that once felt impossible.

Happy National Speech-Language Pathologist Day! We appreciate you more than words can say.❤️

Our speech team includes:
Lillian Botello, SLP
Rosy Garza, SLP-Assistant
Melissa Ray, SLP-Assistant
Jennifer Burns, SLP
Brenda Avila, SLP-Assistant
Leah Cottrell, SLP
Isela Cuellar, SLP
Kim Farias-Trevino, SLP
Nancy Gallegos , SLP
Jerry Martinez, SLP
Monica Moreno-Mata, SLP
Dianira Negrete, SLP- Child Find Specialist
Elizabeth Olivarez, SLP
Ricardo Presas, SLP
Veronica Rodriguez, SLP
Alondra Ruiz, SLP
Leslie Saavedra, SLP
Ashley Shaw, SLP
Natalie Tovar, SLP
Amanda Vela, SLP
Carlos Vela, SLP
Roberto Castaneda, SLP-Assistant
Lisa Beccera-Walker, Contract SLP

05/15/2026

👏✨ We would like to recognize Ms. Julia Valdez for her attendance and participation at the @ Hidalgo County Head Start Program Advisory Committee meeting! 🌟📚

Thank you, Ms. Valdez, for your continued dedication and commitment to supporting our children, families, and community. ❤️ Your involvement helps make a positive difference in the lives of so many. 🙌

05/11/2026

Milestone Monday

Here are a few general developmental milestones to keep in mind:

• **By 6 months:** smiles, responds to sounds, begins to roll over
• **By 12 months:** says simple words (“mama/dada”), waves, may take first steps
• **By 2 years:** uses short phrases, follows simple directions, shows interest in others
• **By 3 years:** speaks in sentences, plays with others, shows a wide range of emotions

Helpful resources for parents:
CDC “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” – cdc.gov/ActEarly
Zero to Three – zerotothree.org
Texas Health & Human Services ECI – hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

If you have **any questions or concerns**, don’t wait—**refer your child or give us a call at Region One ECI (956)984-6131. Early support can make a big difference, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program within HHS for families with children birth up to age 3, with developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses that may impact development.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our incredible ECI moms. 💐❤️

Today we celebrate the women who advocate fiercely, love endlessly, and show up every single day for their children in ways the world may never fully see. Your strength, patience, resilience, and unwavering dedication are truly inspiring.

Thank you for trusting us to walk alongside you in your child’s journey. The progress we celebrate, the milestones we cheer for, and the successes your children achieve happen because of the partnership we share together. You are your child’s first teacher, greatest advocate, and biggest source of love and encouragement.

Some days are exhausting, some victories are hard fought, and some moments may feel overwhelming — but please know the impact you are making matters more than words can express. Your love is shaping lives every single day.

We are honored to serve your families and grateful to be part of your story. Wishing each of you a Mother’s Day filled with love, appreciation, and reminders of just how amazing you truly are. 🌸

Feliz Día de las Madres a todas nuestras increíbles mamás de ECI. 💐❤️

Hoy celebramos a las mujeres que luchan incansablemente por sus hijos, aman sin límites y están presentes todos los días de maneras que muchas veces el mundo no alcanza a ver. Su fortaleza, paciencia, resiliencia y dedicación inquebrantable son verdaderamente inspiradoras.

Gracias por confiar en nosotros para caminar a su lado en el desarrollo y crecimiento de sus hijos. Cada progreso que celebramos, cada meta alcanzada y cada éxito logrado es posible gracias a la colaboración y el trabajo en equipo que compartimos con ustedes. Ustedes son las primeras maestras de sus hijos, sus mayores defensoras y su fuente más grande de amor y apoyo.

Habrá días agotadores, victorias difíciles y momentos abrumadores, pero nunca duden que todo lo que hacen tiene un impacto inmenso. Su amor está cambiando y formando vidas todos los días.

Es un honor servir a sus familias y ser parte de su historia. Les deseamos un Día de las Madres lleno de amor, reconocimiento y muchos recordatorios de lo increíbles que son. 🌸

05/07/2026

🌟 Celebrating an ECI Graduation 🌟

Camila has turned 3 and is graduating from Region One ECI! 🎉💙

A heartfelt thank you to her incredible team—EIS Lizette and SLP Isela—for the care, dedication, and support you’ve provided throughout her journey. Your impact truly makes a difference.

To her parents, thank you for your trust, partnership, and for allowing us to be part of such an important chapter in your child’s life. Your love and involvement have helped make this success possible.

Sweet girl, as you step into your next adventure, know that you carry with you so many skills, so much potential, and a whole team cheering you on. 💫

05/07/2026

🌟 Transition Thursday Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re celebrating Giovanni Hernandez as he transitions into an exciting new chapter! 🎉

A special shoutout to his amazing team:
💙 Elizabeth Cisneros, CM
💙 Melissa Peña, EIS/ACAS

Thank you for your dedication, guidance, and the meaningful support you’ve provided along the way. Your work truly makes a difference!

And to Giovanni’s family—thank you for your continued partnership and trust throughout this journey.

Wishing Giovanni all the best as he continues to grow, learn, and shine! 🌟✨

05/07/2026

🌟 Transition Thursday Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re celebrating Gabriel Cruz as he takes the next big step in his journey! 🎉

A huge shoutout to his incredible team who have supported him every step of the way:
💙 Alessandra H, CM
💙 Natalie Tovar, SLP
💙 Melissa Peña, EIS/ACAS

Your dedication, teamwork, and care have made a lasting impact. And to Gabriel’s family—thank you for your partnership and trust throughout this journey.

Wishing Gabriel continued success and growth in this exciting new chapter! 🌈✨

05/05/2026

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! 🗣️👂

Take a moment to learn more about speech, language, and hearing health. Check out this helpful information from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).