An early intervention evaluation is a supportive, family-centered process designed to understand your child’s development and determine whether services may be helpful. For many families, this evaluation is the first step toward clarity, guidance, and peace of mind.
What Is an Early Intervention Evaluation?
An early intervention evaluation looks at how a child is developing across key areas, including communication, movement, play, and social-emotional skills. Evaluations are conducted for children from birth to age three and are part of the New Mexico Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program.
The purpose is not to label a child, but to understand strengths, identify areas that may need support, and determine eligibility for early intervention services.
Who Can Request an Evaluation?
Anyone with concerns about a child’s development can request an evaluation. This includes parents, guardians, foster parents, pediatricians, childcare providers, or other caregivers. A medical diagnosis is not required.
If you have concerns, that alone is enough reason to ask for an evaluation.
What Does the Evaluation Look Like?
Early intervention evaluations are designed to feel natural and comfortable for both the child and family. Evaluations typically take place in the child’s home or another familiar environment.
During the evaluation, specialists may:
- Observe your child during play and daily routines
- Ask questions about your child’s development and history
- Use age-appropriate activities to assess skills
- Talk with caregivers about concerns and goals
The evaluation is interactive and family-centered, with caregivers actively involved throughout the process.
Areas of Development That Are Reviewed
The evaluation looks at multiple areas of development, including:
- Communication and language
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Cognitive and problem-solving skills
- Social and emotional development
- Adaptive and self-help skills
Looking at the whole child helps the team understand how different areas of development work together.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
After the evaluation, the team will review the results with the family and explain whether the child qualifies for early intervention services. If a child is eligible, the next step is creating an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
The IFSP outlines:
- Developmental goals based on the family’s priorities
- Services that may support the child’s growth
- How services will be delivered in everyday routines
If a child does not qualify, families still receive guidance, developmental information, and recommendations for next steps.
Why Early Evaluations Matter
Early evaluations help families act during the most critical years of brain development. When support begins early, children often make meaningful progress in communication, movement, and social engagement.
Just as important, evaluations help families feel informed and supported rather than uncertain or alone.
How Aprendamos Supports Families
As a provider of the New Mexico FIT Program, Aprendamos Early Intervention offers free developmental evaluations for families in Doña Ana and Sierra Counties. The team works closely with caregivers to ensure the process feels respectful, clear, and supportive from start to finish.
How to Get Started
- Call Aprendamos Early Intervention at (575) 526-6682 or visit aitkids.com to request a free developmental evaluation
- Meet with your team to learn which services best support your family
Additional Resources
- New Mexico Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program – https://www.nmececd.org/apply-for-services/
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – https://www.chop.edu/primary-care/developmental-milestones
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