New Mexico Governor Richardson Applauds $5.8 Million Stimulus Award For Child Development Services

Oct. 16, 2009 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today applauded a $5.8 million grant from the U.S.

Department of Education to provide services to more than 2,000 children over 3-years-old that receive early intervention services through the Department of Health’s Family Infant Toddler Program. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will help New Mexico create and retain developmental specialist and therapist jobs in communities across New Mexico.

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This grant recognizes New Mexico as a national leader in early childhood services. New Mexico and Maryland were the only states to be awarded State Incentive Grant funds, which are in addition to other federal funds.

“New Mexico is leading the way in promoting school readiness by helping parents support their child’s learning at home and increasing their chances of success when they get to school,” Governor Richardson said. “This funding will help New Mexico families and kids succeed."

The federal funding helps children with developmental disabilities or delays, or those at risk.

Parents have a choice to have their child to continue to receive early intervention services through the Department of Health’s Family Infant Toddler Program until the beginning of the school year following their third birthday. Early intervention services include extra help to make sure children are ready for preschool.

“Helping children develop skills at an early age is critical to their development, and this funding will help families who have a child who is a risk for a developmental delay,” said Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil, MD. “Parents and other family members play a big role in helping a child develop. Reading to a baby from birth and supporting a child’s learning through play and within everyday activities helps promote a child’s healthy development."

The Family Infant Toddler Program helps families with their child’s successful transition to Head Start or other preschools.

“We know that healthy children are better prepared to learn,” said Education Secretary Veronica C. Garcia. “The Family Infant Toddler program provides needed services and activities to help ensure all our children enter school prepared."

The Department will begin spending the federal stimulus funds in December, following training to providers and school districts by the Department of Health and the Public Education Department. For more information on the Family Infant Toddler program, visit www.fitprogram.org or call 877-696-1472.

Source: New Mexico Governor