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Brain Development
85% of brain development occurs before children start kindergarten. Neural circuits that create the foundation for learning, behavior and health are most changeable during the first years of life
Developmental Services
Approximately 150,000 New York children ages 0 – 5 years are eligible for Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education because of identified developmental delays or disabilities. Services are funded by state and county funds and administered by county governments.
Early Intervention
Early Intervention supports not only the child, but also the child’s family and caregivers. Services are most often provided in the home or care setting, allowing family and caregivers to participate and incorporating therapies with a child’s daily environment. 64 – 74% of children who receive Early Intervention make greater than expected growth.
Preschool Special Education
Preschool Special education is provided in child care and pre-kindergarten classrooms. Children whose needs cannot be met by their school district may be enrolled in specialized schools. 77 – 82% of children who receive Preschool Special Education make greater than expected growth.
Racial Equity
Children of color are less likely to have developmental delays and disabilities diagnosed at an early age or to have services initiated within the legally required timeframe.
TAKE ACTION
Here’s what to say…
My name is _____ and I live in [city/town]. I am a
- parent of a child with a developmental delay or disability
- [type of therapist/provider] who works with children who have developmental delays and disabilities
- New Yorker who cares about children with developmental delays and disabilities
I urge Governor Hochul to sign bill A.6579/S.5676 right away to address the severe shortage of Early Intervention providers in New York. Kids can’t wait when they need help with speech, feeding, motor skills, or other challenges. Service providers have to be there when kids need them
Thank you for supporting children and families.
Together we can do right by kids!
Our Work
Statement on
New York State Budget
Kids Can't Wait
Goals
Resources
Inequities in Early Intervention
Kids Can't Wait Fact Sheet
Join the Kids Can't Wait Conversation
Follow the Children's Agenda
Leadership Council
Agencies for Children’s Therapy Services
Adirondack Birth to 3 Alliance
Advocates for Children-NY
Alliance for Quality Education
Catholic Charities Family & Community Services
Citizens Committee for Children
Children’s Defense Fund-NY
Common Ground Health
Docs for Tots
EdTrust-NY
Greece Central School District
Liftoff Western NY
Nazareth College
NYS Association of Counties
NY Zero to Three
NYS Council of Churches
Parents Helping Parents
Pittsford Pediatrics
Rochester Childfirst Network
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
Step-by-Step Pediatric Therapy Center
The Children’s Agenda
Westchester Children’s Association
