Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 23, 2025
CONTACT
Julia Sclafani
Public Relations Specialist
Email: ECECD-PIO@ececd.nm.gov
Mobile: (505) 699–5937
1120 Paseo De Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
FIT program reaches highest percentage of babies needing developmental support
SANTA FE – For the third consecutive year, New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) ranks first in the nation for identifying and enrolling babies from birth to 12 months with developmental delays and disabilities, according to the latest federal data released last month.
The rankings, determined by the federal Office of Special Education Programs for 2024, also show New Mexico ranks second in the nation for serving children ages 1-2, behind only Massachusetts.
ECECD’s Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program reaches families when intervention makes the greatest impact. Early identification and intervention in the earliest years can significantly improve developmental outcomes and often eliminates the need for special education services later.
The FIT program provides high-quality, no-cost evaluations and early intervention services for children from birth to age 3 who have or may be at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. Provider agencies in all 33 counties and offer a referral process for anyone concerned about a child’s development.
Early identification and intervention in the first year of life can significantly improve developmental and educational outcomes and reduce the need for special education services later.
“What sets New Mexico apart is our collaborative, family-centered approach,” said ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky. “Our early childhood system works as a unified community to ensure families receive the support they need, when they need it. We are reaching families when interventions can make the greatest difference in a child’s life.”
This year, ECECD invested in additional training on Family Guided Routines Based Intervention, a nationally recognized, evidence-based model that helps caregivers integrate developmental learning into daily routines. The investment builds on more than a decade of workforce development focused on family-centered practices.
The program’s success builds on recent achievements, including 2025 rate increases that support competitive wages and offset the high cost of rural service delivery. FIT provider agencies employ professionals with diverse skills and backgrounds, from broad family support experience to specialized medical knowledge.
Parents seeking FIT services are encouraged to call 1-877-696-1472 to receive a free evaluation referral.
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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham launched the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in 2020, making New Mexico among the first states to consolidate all early childhood programs and services under a single cabinet-level agency. Under this administration, ECECD has led the nation by expanding access to free New Mexico PreK, overseeing the largest investment in early childhood infrastructure in state history, and implementing cost-free child care for a majority of New Mexico families. Learn more about how ECECD supports children, families, and the early childhood professionals that serve our communities at nmececd.org. On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as @NewMexicoECECD.