Region One ECI

💙 Milestone Monday: Myth vs. Fact 💙

There are many myths about developmental delays and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). Don't let misinformation keep your child from getting the support they deserve.

✨ Early intervention doesn't label children—it empowers families and helps children build the skills they need to thrive.

If you're ever concerned about your child's development, trust your instincts. Early support can make a lifelong difference. If you are concerned, call us or speak to your child's pediatrician.

📞 Call Region One ECI at (956) 984-6131 to refer your child.

💬 What other myths about child development have you heard? Share them in the comments—we may feature them in a future Myth vs. Fact post!

Please join us in celebrating our very own Celina Perez on this incredible and well-deserved appointment!
💜 "I am honored by the opportunity and committed to working hard to represent not only Region One ECI, but also the incredible children, families, and professionals we serve every day. I look forward to bringing the voice of Region One ECI and the Rio Grande Valley to the table." — Celina Perez
Congratulations, Celina! Your Region One ECI family is proud of you and excited to support you as you take on this new role. 👏💜

Senior Director for the Region One Education Service Center told ValleyCentral how honored she feels to represent the Rio Grande Valley on the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee.

🌸✨ It's Transition Thursday! ✨🌸

Today, Region One ECI is thrilled to celebrate a very special milestone—Alailah has turned 3 years old and is graduating from our Early Childhood Intervention program! 🎉💖

Alailah, it has been a privilege to watch you grow, discover new abilities, and accomplish so many wonderful milestones. Your bright smile, determination, and unique personality have touched the hearts of everyone who has been part of your journey.

A heartfelt thank you to Alailah's amazing team—OT Sam, SLP Alondra, and EIS Lizette—for the compassion, encouragement, and expertise you shared every step of the way. Your dedication has helped lay a strong foundation for her future.

To Alailah's family, thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering commitment. Your love, encouragement, and involvement have been instrumental in her success. It has truly been an honor to walk alongside your family during this important chapter.

Alailah, as you begin this exciting new adventure, remember that your entire ECI family is cheering you on. Keep learning, keep exploring, and keep shining your beautiful light. We know your future is filled with endless possibilities! 💫

Congratulations, Alailah! We are so proud of you!

🎓🎉 ECI Graduation Celebration! 🎉🎓

Congratulations to Savanna on graduating from the Region One ECI program! 🌟

Savanna has made wonderful progress and worked hard to achieve her communication goals. We are so proud of all she has accomplished and are excited to celebrate this important milestone as she prepares to turn 3 years old.

A heartfelt thank you to Savanna's family for allowing us to be part of your journey. It has truly been a joy working with you, and we wish Savanna continued success, confidence, and happiness in all the adventures ahead! 💙

A special thank you to Leah and Tatiana for their dedication, encouragement, and support throughout Savanna's ECI journey.

Congratulations, Savanna! Keep shining! 🎓

💙 Thank You, Little Aa's Play School! 💙

A heartfelt thank you to a Little Aa's Play School in San Benito for welcoming Region One Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) into your classroom!

We enjoyed spending time with your students and sharing the importance of hearing, communication, and disability awareness. Teaching children about the many ways people communicate helps build kindness, understanding, and inclusion from an early age.

We appreciate your partnership and your commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment where every child is valued.

Thank you for helping us make a difference—one conversation at a time! 💙👂🗣️

🧸Play Time Tip: Tummy Time = Stronger Babies!💙

Tummy time is one of the best ways to help your baby grow and develop! Starting with just a few minutes at a time while your baby is awake and supervised can make a big difference.

✨ **Benefits of tummy time:**
👶 Strengthens the neck, shoulders, back, and arms
🧠 Supports motor development and prepares babies for rolling, crawling, and sitting
💙 Helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head (plagiocephaly)
👀 Encourages visual tracking and exploration of the world

🎉 **Make tummy time fun!**
• Get down on the floor face-to-face with your baby.
• Talk, sing, and smile to encourage interaction.
• Place colorful toys or a baby-safe mirror just out of reach to encourage reaching and lifting the head.
• Use a rolled towel or small tummy time pillow under your baby's chest for extra support if needed.
• Keep sessions short and positive—several 3–5 minute sessions throughout the day are perfect!

💡 Remember: **Always place babies on their backs to sleep and on their tummies only during awake, supervised playtime.**
If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait. Early Intervention can help!

📞 **Region One Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)**
Serving **Cameron and Willacy Counties**
**(956) 984-6131**

🎉 Thank you, Workforce Solutions, for the opportunity to present at today's 2026 Infant & Toddler Conference held at the Mission Event Center

Region One ECI was proud to present three sessions and share our knowledge with early childhood professionals:

🧸 Ages & Stages: Social-Emotional Screening (ASQ:SE-2)
Presenters: Denice Cavazos, Elizabeth Aguirre, and Amy Gutierrez

👶 Planning and Creating Inclusive Classrooms
Presenters: Child Find Specialists Gabriel Gonzalez and Dianira Negrete

🚼 Avoidance of Baby Saucers and Walkers in Child Care Settings & Prevention of Plagiocephaly
Presenters: Vikki Molina and Jennifer Burns

Thank you to everyone who attended our sessions. Together, we're helping children build strong foundations for lifelong learning and success here in the RGV! 💙

🧸 Learning Through Play: Birth to 6 Months💛

Did you know that your baby's favorite way to learn is through play? Every cuddle, smile, song, and game helps build important brain connections that support language, movement, and social-emotional development.

Here are a few simple play ideas for babies from birth to 6 months:

👶Tummy Time – Helps strengthen your baby's neck, shoulders, back, and core muscles needed for rolling, sitting, and crawling.

😊 Face-to-Face Time– Smile, talk, and make silly faces. Your baby is learning from every interaction!

🎵 Sing & Read Together – Songs, nursery rhymes, and books help build early language and listening skills.

🪞Mirror Play – Let your baby explore a baby-safe mirror to encourage visual attention and self-awareness.

🧸Reach & Grasp– Offer soft toys or rattles to encourage reaching, grasping, and hand-eye coordination.

💖Cuddles & Gentle Touch – Loving interactions help your baby feel safe and support healthy brain development.

If you have concerns about your child's development, talk with your child's pediatrician or contact Region One Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). Early support can make a big difference, and services are available for eligible children from birth to age 3.

📞 **Region One ECI:** (956) 984-6131

*Play today. Learn for a lifetime.* ❤️

🥕 **Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Distribution for Families** 🥕

💚 The Food Bank will be hosting **FREE Pop-Up Food Distributions** for our community.

📍 **San Benito:** 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
📍 **Harlingen:** 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Please see the flyer for locations, dates, and additional details.

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🥕 **Distribución de Frutas y Veduras para las Familias** 🥕

¿Necesita un poco de ayuda con los alimentos? 💚 El Banco de Alimentos estará ofreciendo **distribuciones gratuitas de alimentos** para nuestra comunidad.

📍 **San Benito:** 9:00 a. m. – 11:00 a. m. Frutas y Verduras
📍 **Harlingen:** 11:00 a. m. – 1:00 p. m. Frutas y Veduras

Consulte el volante para conocer las ubicaciones, las fechas y más información.