Free · No referral needed · Ages 0–3

New Mexico Part C Early Intervention

How to get free early intervention in New Mexico for your baby or toddler — Family Infant Toddler Program. No referral or diagnosis needed, and the first step takes minutes.

How to start in New Mexico

Early Intervention is free and you don't need a referral or a diagnosis. The process can take time, so it's best to reach out as soon as you have a concern — the earlier you start, the sooner your child gets help.

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Contact details are sourced from the ECTA Center's national Part C directory and were last verified June 2026. Programs can change — please confirm via the official site before relying on these details.

Program Name

Family Infant Toddler Program

Age Range

0-3 Years

Cost

Free or Sliding Scale

Lead Agency

Early Childhood Dept

Parent Center

Parents Reaching Out (PRO)

On the 2024 federal child count, 6,686 New Mexico infants and toddlers were receiving early intervention — 10.49% of the state's children under 3, ranking #2 of 51 nationally. See how every state compares →

New Mexico Part C Early Intervention (Family Infant Toddler Program)

If you're a parent in New Mexico and you're worried your baby or toddler isn't meeting their developmental milestones, you're not alone — and help is closer (and cheaper) than most families expect. New Mexico's Part C early intervention program is called Family Infant Toddler Program, and it's free.

What is "Part C" and what is Family Infant Toddler Program?

"Part C" refers to Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which funds early intervention for children from birth to age 3 in every state. In New Mexico, those services are delivered through Family Infant Toddler Program. It supports families of infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay — or a condition likely to lead to one — in areas like communication, movement, learning, social-emotional skills, and self-care.

What does Family Infant Toddler Program cost?

The evaluation is free, and services are provided at little or no cost to families regardless of income or insurance. Many parents never start because they assume it will be expensive — it isn't. Cost should never stop you from asking for help.

Do I need a referral or diagnosis?

No. You do not need a doctor's referral or a diagnosis to request an evaluation. A parent, doctor, or caregiver can make a Part C referral — and you can refer your own child.

What services are included?

  • Developmental evaluation to see where your child is and what would help.
  • Therapies such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
  • An IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) — a written plan built around your family if your child qualifies.
  • Home-based support — services usually happen in your home or other everyday settings.

Who is eligible in New Mexico?

Eligibility in New Mexico is determined through Family Infant Toddler Program (lead agency: Early Childhood Dept). Generally, children birth to 3 with a significant delay in one or more areas — cognitive, physical, communication, social/emotional, or adaptive — qualify. The free evaluation determines eligibility, so you don't have to figure it out on your own.

How to start: making a Part C referral

The first step is to refer your child to Family Infant Toddler Program. Once referred, the program generally has 45 days to complete the evaluation and hold your first meeting. The process can take time, so the sooner you reach out, the sooner your child gets support.

Don't wait and worry. Early intervention works best when it starts as early as possible.

New Mexico Part C: frequently asked questions

What is New Mexico's Part C early intervention program? +

Part C of the federal IDEA law funds early intervention for children from birth to age 3. In New Mexico, it's delivered through Family Infant Toddler Program — free services like developmental evaluations, speech, physical, and occupational therapy for babies and toddlers with delays or disabilities.

Is early intervention free in New Mexico? +

Yes. Evaluations are free, and Family Infant Toddler Program services are provided at little or no cost to families in New Mexico, regardless of income or insurance.

Do I need a referral or diagnosis to get help in New Mexico? +

No. You can request a free Part C evaluation yourself in New Mexico — no doctor referral or diagnosis is required for a child under 3.

How do I make a Part C referral in New Mexico? +

Contact Family Infant Toddler Program at 877-696-1472, or ask your pediatrician to refer your child. You can also refer your child yourself. Once referred, the program generally has 45 days to complete the evaluation and hold your first meeting.

Who is eligible for early intervention in New Mexico? +

Children from birth to age 3 with a measurable developmental delay — or a diagnosed condition likely to cause one — generally qualify. The free evaluation determines eligibility, so you don't have to figure it out yourself.

What is an IFSP? +

If your child qualifies, Family Infant Toddler Program creates an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) — a written plan, built around your family's routines and goals, that lists the services your child will receive and how often.

What is a New Mexico Part C plan (IFSP)? +

In New Mexico, the "Part C plan" people search for is the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) — the written early intervention plan Family Infant Toddler Program creates with you if your child qualifies. It lists your child's goals and the services they'll receive, and you review it together regularly.

How do I find early intervention in New Mexico? +

Start with Family Infant Toddler Program, New Mexico's Part C program at 877-696-1472. You can contact them yourself — no referral needed — or check your child's milestones first and we'll walk you through exactly what to say.

What if I'm not sure my child needs help? +

Trust your instincts and ask anyway. The evaluation is free and carries no obligation — it either gives you peace of mind or unlocks support early, when it makes the biggest difference.

Wondering what the plan itself looks like? Read our plain-language guide: the IFSP (New Mexico's Part C plan), explained — what's in it, the 45-day timeline, and your rights at the meeting.

Free parent support in New Mexico

Beyond Family Infant Toddler Program, every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center — free, parent-staffed help for families navigating early intervention and special education. In New Mexico, that's Parents Reaching Out (PRO).

Find your center's contact details in the official national directory.

Work at Parents Reaching Out (PRO)? Email [email protected] to confirm your details and we'll link to your site directly.

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