ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky
ECECD News:
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,” ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky said. “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.