Help us ensure every child gets the Early Intervention Services they need

Access to early intervention is crucial to children’s development.  

Early Intervention (EI) provides critical evaluations and services to young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Years of underfunding and inadequate rates have led to provider shortages resulting in service delays for young children, particularly those in low-income communities of color. New York State currently ranks 50th, or LAST, in the nation for timely delivery of EI services. Nearly half of families whose children are evaluated and deemed eligible for EI services do not receive them within the legally required timelines, and a significant portion of services that are being provided are offered only via telehealth even when there’s an agreement that the child needs in-person services. We must encourage leaders to invest in New York’s children early by including increases to EI provider rates, reviewing and working towards a sustainable EI system, and providing loan forgiveness for individuals in higher education who plan to become EI professionals. 

Your voice is needed – send the message to state leaders that kids with developmental delays and disabilities can’t wait any longer to receive the essential, life-changing services they need.