Take Action to Ensure Young NY Children with Disabilities Get the Services They Need
Early Intervention (EI) provides critical developmental evaluations and services to young children (0-3) with developmental delays and disabilities. Years of underfunding and inadequate rates have led to provider shortages resulting in detrimental service delays for young children, particularly those in low-income communities of color. New York State currently ranks 50th in the nation for timely delivery of EI services. Nearly half of children deemed eligible for EI services do not receive them within the legally required timeline.
Two years ago, the State budget included investments to increase EI rates by 5%. Unfortunately, the State has not implemented new funding, and the Governor’s FY27 Executive Budget once again fails to guarantee the investments necessary to address provider shortages and service delays.
Take action today and urge state leaders to invest in New York’s youngest children by supporting and building on the investments made in the Senate and Assembly budget proposals that increase access and build towards a sustainable EI system in NY.