Tell state leaders that 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. 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. As a result of deeply inadequate provider reimbursement rates, children are receiving delayed services or going without services at all during a pivotal time of brain development.

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.

We are glad to see that the New York State Assembly’s One House Resolution includes an 11% increase for EI rates for in-person services, along with an additional 4% for rural and underserved areas, but we need our other state leaders to push for these investments in the final budget, too. Help us make this happen by sending a letter to the NYS Senate and Governor urging them to include these rate increases in the SFY2025 Enacted Budget.

Let’s get children and their families the life-changing services they need to thrive!