Introduction of the EDI (Early Developmental Assessment) Project by Governor Rubén Rocha Moya
Sinaloa, a state in Mexico, has taken the lead nationally in early childhood development care with the introduction of the EDI (Early Developmental Assessment) project, announced by Governor Rubén Rocha Moya. This initiative will make Sinaloa the first state in Mexico to implement a mandatory health strategy for infant care and development, ensuring the well-being and equal opportunities for future generations.
Who is Governor Rubén Rocha Moya?
Rubén Rocha Moya is the current governor of Sinaloa, a Mexican state known for its significant role in agriculture, particularly the production of sugarcane and marijuana. As governor, Rocha Moya has focused on improving the state’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems. His recent initiative, the EDI project, highlights his commitment to early childhood development.
What is the EDI Project?
The EDI (Early Developmental Assessment) project aims to evaluate children aged from one month to five years and eleven months for potential developmental disorders. The assessment will be free of charge, ensuring no financial burden on parents. This initiative will help identify and address any developmental issues early, channeling children to appropriate treatment centers.
Key Details of the EDI Project
- The project will cover approximately 280,000 infants across Sinaloa’s 20 municipalities.
- Evaluations will take place in 82 health units across the state.
- The assessment will target potential developmental disorders, including learning difficulties, language issues, social challenges, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and motor skill impairments.
- The project will initially focus on pre-school children, with evaluations starting in October 2025 for third-grade students, November and December for second-grade, and January and February 2026 for first-grade.
- The project will expand to include children up to two years and eleven months in the following school year, targeting those in daycare facilities.
Impact and Collaboration
The EDI project is a collaborative effort between the Secretariat of Education, Publication and Culture (SEPyC), the Secretariat of Health, and the Sinaloa System for Integral Family Support (DIF Sinaloa) along with 20 local DIF municipalities.
Secretary of Education, Gloria Himelda Félix Niebla
Secretary Félix Niebla emphasized that Sinaloa will be the first entity in Mexico to specify an early childhood development assessment, fulfilling all guidelines from the First Infancy Convention signed by Governor Rocha.
Secretary of Health, Cuitláhuac González Galindo
Secretary González Galindo explained that the assessment aims to detect neurodevelopmental alterations early in children, including learning difficulties, language issues, social challenges, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and motor skill impairments. The test will be administered between one month and five years of age.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the EDI project? The Early Developmental Assessment (EDI) project is a mandatory initiative in Sinaloa, Mexico, to evaluate children from one month to five years and eleven months for potential developmental disorders.
- Who is involved in the EDI project? The EDI project is a collaborative effort between SEPyC, the Secretariat of Health, DIF Sinaloa, and 20 local DIF municipalities.
- When will the evaluations begin? The EDI project will start with pre-school children in October 2025, followed by evaluations for younger children in the following school year.
- What types of developmental disorders will the EDI project identify? The assessment aims to detect learning difficulties, language issues, social challenges, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and motor skill impairments.
- Will parents have to pay for the evaluations? No, the EDI project ensures that evaluations are free of charge for parents.
