How Can Physical Therapy Help My Child?

According to the According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , “ Early intervention is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. ” These services are recommended for children ages zero to three who have been evaluated by medical professionals (like doctors or nurse practitioners) and who may not be meeting developmental milestones. Early intervention can play a key role in helping children build new skills, face challenges with confidence, and thrive in school and beyond. Why Is Early Intervention Important? A child’s brain grows the fastest during the first three years of life. When developmental delays—like not walking, talking, or responding to their name—go unaddressed, it can affect long-term learning, communication, and independence. Early intervention takes advantage of this early window of brain plasticity, giving children the best possible head start. Who Provides Early Intervention Services? Early intervention is a team effort. Services are delivered by a group of licensed professionals who collaborate to create a care plan tailored to each child’s needs. These may include: Speech and Language Pathologists Occupational Therapists Physical Therapists Developmental Specialists Family Service Coordinators Social Workers, and even Nurses and Nutritionists At Aprendamos Early Intervention , we become an extension of your family, providing support and resources not just to children but also to parents and caregivers. Who pays for Early Intervention? New Mexico is ranked #1 in the nation for identifying children who will benefit from early intervention services. Fortunately, in our state, early intervention services are state and federally funded through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and largely funded through state and federal funds. At Aprendamos Early Intervention, we are committed to ensuring families have access to the services they need. As a provider for the New Mexico Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program , we offer services at no cost to families, funded through Turquoise Care Medicaid, and state resources. How Do I Get Started Receiving Early Intervention Services? Getting started is simple: Fill out a referral form at: aitkids.medforward.com Or call Aprendamos at (575) 526-6682 Our team will guide you every step of the way, from scheduling evaluations to working with your child’s pediatrician. We’ll help take the guesswork out of where to begin. At the heart of early intervention is partnership. By listening, collaborating, and supporting you every step of the way, we can help your child reach their unique developmental goals. Let’s work together to help babies and toddlers thrive and build brighter futures for children in our community!

Your child’s first visit to Esperanza is usually an initial evaluation appointment. This visit gives our therapists the chance to understand your concerns, learn about your child’s development, and determine if therapy services like speech, occupational, or physical therapy would be beneficial. We take a compassionate, family-centered approach to help your child thrive from day one. Why is the first evaluation important? The first visit is where everything begins. It’s not just about checking boxes—it’s about building trust and setting a foundation for your child’s care. Families are often referred by their medical provider, and they come to us looking for answers about their child’s development, behavior, or communication. During this visit, you’ll meet with one of our experienced therapists who will: Ask questions about your child’s medical and developmental history Talk with you about any concerns you have Observe your child in a supportive, play-based setting This evaluation helps us understand your child’s needs and whether therapy might support their growth and daily life. What happens during the evaluation? Evaluations are done in a relaxed, child-friendly environment—our specialized motor gyms and observation rooms are designed with kids in mind. The therapist will: Engage your child in simple, age-appropriate activities Observe how your child moves, plays, communicates, and interacts Listen closely to your questions and goals We take a whole-child approach—looking at everything from motor skills to social and emotional development. After the session, the therapist will share insights and discuss next steps with you. What should families expect after the first visit? After the evaluation, our therapist will review the results and determine if your child could benefit from ongoing therapy. If services are recommended, we’ll work with you to build a personalized treatment plan—often including speech, occupational, or physical therapy , depending on your child’s specific needs. We’ll also help you understand your insurance benefits and guide you through scheduling options that fit your routine, whether you live in Las Cruces, Anthony, or Chaparral . How does Esperanza support families through the process? We know it can feel overwhelming at first, but you’re not alone. At Esperanza, our bilingual staff and family-centered environment are here to support you every step of the way. We offer: Flexible weekday scheduling from 8 AM to 6 PM Bilingual therapists and culturally sensitive care Opportunities for you to observe therapy sessions Our goal is to help you feel confident and supported as your child grows. Ready to take the first step? If you’re wondering whether your child could benefit from therapy, we invite you to schedule an evaluation with us today . Call us at (575) 647-3773 —we’re here to help your child thrive.