KIDS CAN'T WAIT JAN/FEB 2021 NEWSLETTER
Virtual Advocacy Days
During the week of February 22nd, the Kids Can’t Wait Campaign will be holding Virtual Advocacy Days. We invite you to raise your voice, from the comfort of your home, alongside other advocates from across New York State.
How Virtual Advocacy Days will work:
If you are interested in participating in the Kids Can’t Wait Virtual Advocacy Days please do the following:
Monroe County Residents: Click here to complete registration form by Monday, February 15th. You will be placed on a team for a call, scheduled by our team, with your legislator and/or their staff your region and our team will schedule calls for your team to talk with their legislators and/or their staff.
Non Monroe County Residents: Click here to find out who your legislator is. After doing so contact their office to setup a meeting. If you need assistance in doing so, our team can help. Email kristen@thechildrensagenda.org for assistance.
To prepare ALL participants for meetings, a virtual training will be held, in which participants will learn about the key talking points and how to share their personal stories with legislators. More info to come about date and time.
For additional information email kristen@thechildrensagenda.org
Social Media Buzz
In conjunction with the Virtual Advocacy Days, the Kids Can't Wait campaign will utilize social media to raise awareness about the NYS Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education programs. The weeklong event will involve daily posts providing facts, images, hashtags, and opportunities to engage. Be sure to follow the Kids Can’t Wait Facebook Page to stay updated about the event and the ways in which you can get involved.
Kids Can't Wait 2021-22
New York State Budget Recommendations
The Kids Can’t Wait campaign calls on the State to explore all possible sources of revenue to increase the rates for Early Intervention providers and Preschool Special Education programs by at least 10%. We also recommend:
[There needs to be more funding.]
[Understanding the true cost of providing services is important.]
[Preschool Special Education Programs are institutions of learning just like public schools and should be included in annual increases.]
[Maintaining a current database of the location and number of service providers would be beneficial in identifying and eliminating long-standing access to service issues due to race, poverty, and geography.]
[Additional and immediate concerns have surfaced as a result of the pandemic.]
New York State should act to respond to pandemic-related gaps in services. NYS must act now to reverse these trends by taking the following steps:
An Opportunity to Take Action
Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on infants, toddlers and preschoolers with developmental delays and disabilities. Some have missed months of crucial services.
Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget does not address these trends. State leaders need to hear from us! The final 2021-22 state budget must include funding and reforms that help young children recover from gaps in therapies and instruction.
To send a letter to Governor Cuomo and your representatives click here.
The Children's Agenda
1 S. Washington Street
Suite 120
Rochester, NY 14614
United States
The Children’s Agenda
1 South Washington St., Suite 120
Rochester, NY 14614
Find Us With Google Maps
(585) 256-2620
The Children’s Agenda advocates for effective policies and drives evidenced-based solutions for the health, education and success of children. We are especially committed to children who are vulnerable because of poverty, racism, health inequities and trauma.