Early Childhood

Early Intervention services include a range of targeted services to help young children who are not meeting their developmental milestones or have special developmental needs. FIT provides free early intervention services to infants and toddlers, age birth to 3 who have a developmental delay or who may be at risk for developmental delays. Different types of specialists work with young children and their families to help increase their chances for success in school and life.

Anyone with a concern about a child’s development may make a referral to a FIT agency. This includes parents, guardians, foster parents and family members, pediatricians, other physicians, social workers, nurses, childcare providers, or others who know the child.

Note: A child can receive services from both a NMFIT program and an outpatient therapy provider.

• Tip sheet about the FIT program [PDF]
• FIT Provider List: A list of the Early Intervention agencies around the state who contract with the NM Family Infant Toddler program.

If a child is 3 or older, and the child has a suspected disability, or developmental delay, the child can be referred to a Child Find program. Child Find primarily evaluates students ages 2 ½ to 5 years old; however students may be evaluated to determine if they qualify for special education and related services at any age.

Children may be referred by parents, medical personnel, social workers, school employees or others with whom they have direct contact. School districts are responsible for evaluating any student that lives in their district and is suspected of having a disability, whether or not they are attending a school program within their district.

Note: A child can receive services from both a NMFIT program and an outpatient therapy provider.

Some babies and young children may benefit from specific physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy services provided in a clinic setting or sometimes in your home. These services might be referred to as outpatient or home health PT, OT, ST.

These therapy services involve meeting with a licensed therapist to help your baby or young child learn needed skills that may be difficult for them. You would also be taught activities or exercises to do with your child at home to support their progress. Your physician or other health care provider may recommend your baby or child participate in one or more of these therapies regularly for a specific period of time.

Most children who are on a Medicaid or Centennial plan can receive these services for free. The cost for those with and without other insurance varies depending on the insurance plan and the place where services are received. The resource list below provides information about agencies or facilities that provide therapy evaluation and treatment services specificly for babies and young children.

Note: A child can receive services from both a NMFIT program and an outpatient therapy provider.

Home Visiting programs provide services with trained professionals for families who are expecting or who have children who have not entered kindergarten. Each program follows a specific curriculum model. Home visiting programs:

• Support parents and families to have a healthier pregnancy
• Help parents understand their role as their child’s most important teacher
• Visit families in their home or an alternative location at the family’s request and convenience
• Connect families to a variety of resources in the community

Most programs serve expectant parents through early childhood. Eligibility requirements vary from one program to the next. Most programs provide services for all families, including teen parents, grandparents raising an infant, adoptive parents, or family/court arranged placement. Some programs focus on first-time parents, low-income families or those in specific geographic areas. Certain programs require enrollment during pregnancy.

Download a home visiting brochure [PDF] or a flyer with nearby programs [PDF].