Families FIRST
Are you seeking expert support to navigate pregnancy, infancy, and toddlerhood? Don’t face parenthood alone. Families FIRST is your trusted partner.
What is Families FIRST?
The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), administers Families FIRST, a program designed to empower and support families through every step of their journey. Families FIRST offers a go-to support system during pregnancy, infancy, and throughout the first three years of a child’s life for Medicaid-eligible families in New Mexico.
Families FIRST believes a healthy start early in life provides a foundation for a lifetime of positive growth, learning, and relationships. Our dedicated team is here to provide care and guidance, tailored to your family’s specific needs. Your Care Coordinator will be your own personal registered nurse who will connect you with programs, services, and learning opportunities right in your community. Registered nurses across the state are just a phone call away for you and your family.
How do families access Families FIRST?
Providers are welcome to refer any family that they feel would benefit from Families FIRST services. You can contact a Families FIRST representative at 1-877-842-4152 or by calling one of our regional offices listed below.
- NORTHEAST REGION: 505-487-6645
- NORTHWEST REGION: 505-660-8031
- SOUTHEAST REGION: 505-660-8627
- SOUTHWEST REGION: 505-660-7589
Please call the office nearest you between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
We strive to serve all eligible New Mexico families. If you are unsure if services are available in your community, please contact the program to discuss options.
What’s a Care Coordinator?
A care coordinator is your very own personal nurse who will complete a comprehensive and holistic assessment and will provide you with information on programs, services, and learning opportunities that are specific to you and are located right in your community. They will work with you during your pregnancy to support your goals as a parent and to support your child’s specific needs.
You can call your Care Coordinator as often as you would like for additional support, to ask questions, express concerns, and even celebrate positive pregnancy outcomes and milestones in your child’s growth and development. Your privacy is always respected. You can visit with your Care Coordinator in the local office, in your home, by phone, or video chat (if available).
Family Resources
Each community offers different resources for expecting families and those with young children. Here are just some resources we can connect you with:
Click to learn more:
Get Started
- NORTHEAST REGION: 505-487-6645
- NORTHWEST REGION: 505-660-8031
- SOUTHEAST REGION: 505-660-8627
- SOUTHWEST REGION: 505-660-7589
Download the Families FIRST Brochure
Updated April 26, 2024
Families FIRST Provides
- Comprehensive Support: If you’re expecting a baby, recuperating from pregnancy or delivery, or simply seeking support and guidance on parenting and child development, our nurses are here to provide the assistance you need.
- Breastfeeding education and support.
- Community Navigation: We understand that accessing necessary supports and resources can feel overwhelming. Families FIRST is your partner in navigating the community and connecting you with services and assistance.
- Help with Medicaid enrollment to cover medical costs.
- Medically Fragile Support: Our registered nurses specialize in supporting families with complicated pregnancies and medically fragile babies, offering compassionate care and expert guidance to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Postpartum Support: Recovering from a pregnancy or delivery can be challenging. Families FIRST provides support and resources to help you navigate this journey with confidence.
- Positive Parenting Guidance and Strategies: From newborn care to toddler behavior, our registered nurses offer practical advice and support to help you navigate the joys and challenges of parenting.
- Food and nutrition information and resources.
- Conduct developmental screenings to ensure milestones are achieved and provide activities and education to promote healthy outcomes.
- Safe sleep education and FREE Safe Sleep Baby Kit.