Eligibility
Any child under the age of three who is a resident of New Mexico may be eligible under one of the following categories:
- Developmental Delay of 25% or more in one area of development, including motor, language, cognitive, sensory, adaptive or social-emotional development.
- Established Condition that has a high probability of causing a developmental delay such as vision or hearing loss, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.
- At Risk due to medical or biological factors such as low birth weight or prematurity
- At Risk for Developmental Delays due to environmental conditions that could affect your child’s development
Who can Refer a Child?
Anyone who has a concern about a child’s development may make a referral. This includes parents, guardians, foster parents, family members or professionals and childcare providers, or others who have contact with the child. Referrals must be made with parent/guardian consent and or knowledge.
Who will contact the family?
A family service coordinator (case manager) will meet with the family and inform them about early intervention. If the family agrees to participate, the family service coordinator will help arrange a comprehensive developmental evaluation.
Determining If Your Child is Eligible
A team that includes you, your Family Service Coordinator and professionals who were part of the evaluation determine your child’s eligibility for the FIT Program. The team will consider information from medical and other records, assessment results and professional judgment in determining eligibility under one of the four FIT Program eligibility categories. Your child’s eligibility will be documented in his or her record and is only shared with people for whom you have signed a release.
What If Your Child is Found to be Not Eligible?
If the team decides, based upon the evaluation, that your child is not eligible for the FIT Program, your Family Service Coordinator will help you explore other supports or resources in your community. The Family Service Coordinator can also give you copies of a screening tool, which you can use to monitor your child’s development. If you have concerns in the future, your child may have another evaluation. If you disagree with the results of the evaluation, you can appeal by calling the FIT Program toll-free at (877) 696-1472.