Information for Providers
Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
The Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program provides a statewide early intervention system in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C. FIT provides early intervention services to over 14,000 children age birth to three who have or are at risk of developmental delay – as well as their families.
Providers
FIT offers early intervention services through a network of provider agencies across New Mexico. Please see the FIT Providers List for a current list of providers. These agencies are funded through a combination of state and federal funds, including Medicaid, IDEA Part C, and private health insurance.
Helpful Links
Families FIRST
Families FIRST serves Medicaid-eligible families. Educators that care for children 0-3 years of age or prenatal mothers can offer referrals to Families FIRST for case management services (including WIC, SNAP, dental services, prenatal and pediatric care, and other services). Families FIRST care coordinators will assist families in obtaining these services.
Providers
Providers are welcome to refer any family that they feel would benefit from Families FIRST services; a complete list of contact information for staff by region is here [NEED LINK]. Families FIRST partners with programs like WIC, SNAP, and Text4baby.
Office of Head Start Collaboration
Educators can find information about education requirements and staff qualifications on the Head Start/ECLKC website (under Head Start Policy and Regulation and Performance Standards).
Head Start also provides financial opportunities for educators to gain additional training in a variety of areas while working. These opportunities include child development, health, nutrition, disabilities, mental health, community resources, and more.
Parents and former students also have the opportunity to volunteer and become educators with Head Start.
Providers
Providers have the opportunity to create strong relationships with community partners to enhance services for children and families. This includes conducting community needs assessments, which guide the process for determining program and community needs and approaches to collaboration. Providers also ensure that child development, professional development, and family engagement training are available for their staff.
Helpful links
General Head Start information: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/
Policy and regulations: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy