News You Can Use - July 2025

ECI Monthly news & updates

July|2025

Early Communicator Calendar

First Words Calendar

Expanding Language Calendar

Tried & True Tips from a Therapist

by Erika Almazan, MA, CCC-SLP, SC

Let's Play Ice Cream Shop!

What you will need:

Ice Cream Scoops- You can use play dough, crumpled construction paper, or pom poms for the scoops of ice cream.

Cones- Roll pieces of construction paper into a cone shape and tape or staple together.

Toppings- Yarn (for chocolate sauce), sequins, beads, buttons, glitter (if you dare), and crumpled up paper are just some ideas for toppings.

Bowls

Spoons

Scoop

During play focus on the following strategies to enhance your child’s development as they play.

Model vocabulary- Colors, flavors, cone, ice cream.

Model action words- Mix, stir, taste, smell, scoop, eat.

Give simple directions- Add a scoop, stir it up, give mom a bite.

Make choices- Bowl or cone? 1 or 2 scoops? Sprinkles or syrup?

Take turns- Practice taking turns scooping, serving and eating.

Most of all have FUN!

This play dough recipe is taste safe making it a great option for 'ice cream' in your pretend shop. No worries if it's accidentally licked or tasted during play.

If all that Ice Cream Shop play works up an appetite, try your hand at making your OWN yummy ice cream with this easy recipe using food storage bags.

You car try your hand at homemade puffy paint and craft your own unique ice cream creations! Make the paint with shaving cream and glue. Learn how!

Spotlight Story - Beaux Mehal

by Crystal Mehal

Beaux was diagnosed with plagiocephaly and torticollis and started with ECI at 10 weeks old.

This was all very new to my husband and I and we really didn't know what to expect. ECI made everything very clear and helped ease our minds with family interactive therapy. We were even more at ease when we saw how quickly he progressed with neck mobility from the help of PT Anne.

When it was time for us to move to Boerne it was a smooth transition to Heather Andrew's who Beaux absolutely adores as well as our family. Beaux began crawling at 8.5 months and recently at 10.5 months began walking with his push walker!! Many people are so shocked and I just know he's gotten his strength, courage, and direction from Heather guiding our family in assisting Beaux! Thankful for Easter Seals!

We Are Looking For Spotlight Stories for Upcoming Newsletters

We'd love to share your child's

ECI journey!

If you'd like to be featured in the

"ECI Spotlight Story"

segment, click below.

I'm a SuperStar!

Heart & Voice:

New Monthly Segment

We’re excited to introduce Heart & Voice: Advocating for Tomorrow, a new monthly segment in our newsletter dedicated to highlighting advocacy opportunities for young children with special healthcare needs. This feature will educate and inform parents about current issues, policies, and initiatives that directly impact their children’s care and well-being. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to stay engaged, Heart & Voice will empower you with the knowledge and tools to make your voice heard and help shape a better future for your child.

Navigate Life Texas is a helpful website created by parents, for parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs. It’s here to support you, inspire you, and connect you with the information and people you might need on your journey.

You’ll find helpful tips and links about health care, school, insurance, becoming an adult, and ways to connect with other families who understand what you're going through.

Here’s what you can find on the site:

Roadmap: A step-by-step guide to help you through different stages—from getting a diagnosis to helping your child become more independent as they grow.
Find Services, Groups, and Events: Easily search for local programs, support groups, and events in your area.
Parent Blogs: Real stories and advice from other parents who share what they've learned along the way.
Video Library: Watch videos on helpful topics like daily routines, meeting other parents, and finding resources.
Info for Specific Needs: Find personalized information about things like special education, insurance, and preparing for adulthood.
Whether you're just starting out or looking for support along the way, Navigate Life Texas is a great place to explore and connect.

Reminders

Easter Seals will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025

in observance if the Independence Day holiday.

Enjoy a fun and safe holiday with loved ones.

When to Cancel Therapy

The Metropolitan Health District has been made aware of possible measles exposures in the San Antonio Community.

Please take the following recommended actions:

Contact your healthcare provider if you believe you, or someone in your family, may have been exposed or are showing symptoms.
Monitor for symptoms such as fever or unexplained rash for 4 to 21 days after exposure.
Follow the advice of your healthcare provider on when to stay home from work, school, or other gatherings.
If your child has a fever of 100.0° or higher, please keep them home and cancel therapy until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Telehealth is available at your discretion if your child is well enough for therapy, but experiencing symptoms where it's best to keep therapists from entering the home.

If your child is not well enough for any type of therapy, please cancel with your therapist. Remember, when we leave your home, we go to see other children and families.

Let's all work together to keep everyone as healthy as possible.