Connections: Discussing the reimbursement rate for preschool special education services

From WXXI

Providers of preschool special education say Monroe County went back on its promise to raise the reimbursement rate for services across the board by 15 percent. As reported by Justin Murphy in the Democrat and Chronicle on Thursday, the promise was more nuanced than it seemed at first. Representatives for the county say there are misunderstandings and misinformation.

We talk to a spokesperson for the county, as well as providers and advocates, about how the issue is impacting families who have children with special needs. Our guests:

• Jesse Sleezer, spokesperson for Monroe County
• Pete Nabozny, director of policy for The Children’s Agenda
• Heather Hanson, chief operating officer of Step By Step Developmental Services
• Danielle Salamone, parent
• Justin Murphy, education reporter for the Democrat & Chronicle