ECI Monthly news & updates
| | Early Communicator Calendar | | | Expanding Language Calendar | | |
Tried & True Tips from a Therapist
by Janice Marney, EIS/SC
Water Play for Summer Fun!
| Summer is here and what better way to cool off AND help your child’s development than...Water Play! Water play is a great way to engage your child in a fun activity and work on a variety of developmental skills, including fine and gross motor, language, cognitive and social emotional skills. Here are some ways water play can be beneficial for your child. | |
Fine and Gross Motor: Children develop gross motor and fine motor skills as they scoop and pour water, fill a variety of containers, and carry buckets of water. You can add in items such as eye droppers or turkey basters to squeeze for extra fine motor practice.
Language: Splish, Splash! Imagine all of the language opportunities that can arise as children play with water! Describe their actions as they pour water in and out and add more water to containers. Model new vocabulary as your child explores with different toys and tools.
Cognitive: Pretend play develops cognitive skills while creating opportunities to introduce new vocabulary and practice social skills. Change out the activities to allow for new ways to explore and play. For example in water play, dye the water blue and have toy animals swim in the water, add bubbles and make a car wash, add dirt and let dinosaurs stomp in mud, add in rocks/feathers to see how they sink and float, the opportunities are endless!
Social Emotional: Children learn to share toys and work together during water play, so make a play date or have your little one play with siblings. It’s important to allow them time to learn to share and work out conflicts, but equally important to model opportunities for cooperative play, such as demonstrating how the children can work together to fill a bucket of water with tools.
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What do you need to set up water play for your child? Simple! You can use a water table or a large bucket or tub. Find items from around your house such as a variety of cups, spoons, bath toys, funnels, strainers, etc. Your child can also enjoy water play during bath time, in the kitchen sink, or even a large bowl during indoor times.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and have some outdoor fun with water play this summer!
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Spotlight Story - Joshua
by Raeleen Molina
Early Childhood Intervention therapy has had a tremendous impact on our family. As first-time parents, we faced many challenges after Joshua's one-month NICU stay. He showed a strong preference for turning his head to one side, developed severe flattening on the back of his head, and experienced feeding difficulties. He was diagnosed with torticollis, a tongue and lip tie, incomplete prune belly syndrome, kidney disease, and reflux, which resulted in numerous specialist appointments and a great deal of uncertainty for our family.
The expertise, guidance, and support provided by his therapists have been invaluable. They helped us understand Joshua's developmental needs, taught us exercises and techniques to use at home, and gave us confidence in caring for him. His physical therapist recognized the severity of the flattening of his head and guided us to a cranial clinic, where he was evaluated and fitted for a helmet to help improve his head shape and alignment.
Our speech therapist has been especially helpful in addressing Joshua's feeding challenges. She provided guidance on managing his reflux and introduced us to Gelmix, which has helped him keep his formula down more effectively and made feedings much more successful. She has also helped us understand developmental feeding milestones and guided us on introducing purees.
Occupational therapy has also played an important role in Joshua's development. Through the guidance of his OT, Joshua has learned to engage with toys using both hands and has made great progress with his fine motor skills. He loves holding your hand, exploring toys, and interacting with the world around him in new ways.
Today, at 5 months old, Joshua has made incredible progress. He enjoys social outings and swim lessons, loves "talking" from morning until night, and is constantly experimenting with different sounds and pitches in his voice. He loves rolling and playing on his belly, eagerly reaches for anything within his grasp, and immediately puts it in his mouth to explore. Watching him grow, learn, and achieve new milestones has been incredibly rewarding.
Early intervention has not only supported Joshua's development but has also empowered us as parents. The knowledge, encouragement, and resources we've received have helped us navigate a complex medical journey with confidence. We are grateful for the therapists who have supported our family and for the positive impact ECI therapy has had on Joshua's growth, development, and quality of life.
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Your Story Matters
We’d love to hear your journey. Whether it’s a small milestone or a life-changing moment, your story can inspire others and help us show the power of possibility.
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Introducing The Heart of ECI
At Easterseals ECI, our work is driven by people with big hearts—those who go above and beyond to support children, families, and one another every single day. To celebrate that spirit, we’re introducing a new monthly feature called “The Heart of ECI.” Each month, we’ll spotlight one of our incredible team members who embodies the compassion, dedication, and teamwork that make our mission come alive. These individuals are nominated by their peers—the people who see their kindness, commitment, and impact in action every day.
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Marisol DeLaTorre, EIS/SC
Early Intervention Specialist
Serving Easterseals since 2017
This month, we are honored to spotlight Marisol, whose quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication beautifully reflect the Heart of ECI.
Marisol has devoted her career to serving children and families through ECI, and her impact is felt in every relationship she builds. She excels at creating meaningful connections with families, colleagues, and community partners, always communicating with kindness, respect, and understanding. Her ability to truly listen and meet families where they are fosters trust and collaboration, helping families feel supported every step of the way.
Known for her compassionate approach, Marisol often serves a higher-need population and has developed a special connection with children with autism and their families. She brings a unique blend of relatability, patience, and empathy to her work, ensuring each child and family feels seen, valued, and understood. Her presence is steady and reassuring—a true source of support for those she serves.
Marisol demonstrates a deep understanding of the Easterseals ECI mission, working diligently to ensure children and families receive the services they need. She leads with integrity and professionalism, consistently meeting expectations while supporting her team and contributing to a culture of care and collaboration. Her thoughtful, dependable nature makes her a trusted and respected member of the ECI team.
In her work with families, Marisol exemplifies exceptional customer service and support. She listens attentively to each family’s unique needs and responds with compassion and respect, creating an environment where families feel comfortable, heard, and empowered.
Marisol may be a quiet presence, but her impact is powerful. She is a true “silent strength” within Easterseals—making a difference every day through her dedication, heart, and commitment to the children and families we serve.
Thank you, Marisol, for all that you do.
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Heart & Voice: Advocating for Tomorrow, is a 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.
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Get Summer Meals
Available June 1 – August 8
Every child deserves a full plate and a bright future. The San Antonio Food Bank is partnering with over 100 community centers, public libraries, schools, and more to provide no-cost meals, groceries, and snacks to kids throughout Southwest Texas this summer. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-eat meals for your children or groceries to help fill your family’s pantry, we have resources available to support you.
Locate No-Cost Summer Meal Sites
Through our Summer Meals Sites, children 18 and younger can enjoy no-cost breakfast, lunch, and snacks—no registration or ID required. These meals are available at schools, parks, libraries, community centers, and other neighborhood locations listed, making it easy for families to access nutritious food close to home.
Get Meals
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June Awareness Observations | | | | | |
Month-Long
- Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS)
- Migraine and Headache
- Hemiplegic Migraine
- Men's Health Month
- National Hunger
- PTSD
Days
- June 1 - International Children's Day
- June 1 - World Hypoparathyroidism Awareness
- June 2 - National Gun Violence
- June 3 - Telehealthcare
- June 4 - International Day of Innocent Children, Victims of Aggression
- June 6 - Hunger Day
- June 7 - National Cancer Survivors Day
- June 7 - World Food Safety Day
- June 8 - World Brain Tumor Day
- June 11 - Neuropathy Action
- June 13 - International Albinism
- June 14 - World Blood Donor Day
- June 17 - CDKL5, Worldwide
- June 18 - Autistic Pride Day
- June 19 - World Sickle Cell Day
- June 20 - World Refugee Day
- June 21 - Global day of recognition of ALS/MND
- June 23 - Dravet Syndrome.
- June 25 - World Vitiligo
- June 27 - U.S. National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Day
- June 29 - Chronic Migraine
- June 29 - World Scleroderma
- June 30 - Arthrogryposis
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2203 Babcock Road
San Antonio, TX 78229
phone: 210.614.3911
fax: 210.625.3162
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Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center
is a contracted provider of
Texas Early Childhood Intervention Services and partially funded by
Texas Health and Human Services.
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