CDD Information Network Library – The library at the CDD contains the largest collection of disability-related books, eBooks and DVDs in the state of NM. Materials are available for check out or onsite use by the public.
Early Childhood Evaluation Program (ECEP) - provides evaluations for children ages birth to three living in New Mexico. ECEP addresses concerns regarding developmental delay, complex medical conditions, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, behavioral/regulatory issues, and other specialized evaluation questions for very young children.
New Mexico Kids - The New Mexico Kids Early Childhood Services Center offers a variety of services and resources for both educators and families in the State of New Mexico, including childcare or professional development for early childhood educators.
Parents Reaching Out (PRO) – An organization that works with parents, caregivers, educators and other professionals to improve the lives of children with special healthcare needs and their families. Services include training, advocacy, parent-to-parent connections, and resources and referral.
EPICS – An organization serving families who have Native American children with disabilities or developmental delays in NM, including those with special healthcare needs, and the professionals that work with them. Services include training, advocacy, parent-to-parent connection, and resources and referral. Your Child’s Journey – a tri-fold brochure with graphic representations of the programs, services and resources that families might interact with over their child’s lifetime.
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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.
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 at your local school district. 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:
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.
Learn more here: