English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Hebrew
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
SpanishDevelopmental Services
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
Your voice matters!
If your child is waiting for Early Intervention or received Early Intervention in the past, sharing your story can help us get the Governor to sign into law an important piece of legislation that will help achieve our goal of cutting down on the time kids wait for services.
Make a difference in 4 simple steps:
1. Click on one of the signs above and print it out
2. If your child is waiting, write how long they have been waiting with bold marker
3. Take a photo of yourself or your child holding the sign
4. Post the photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram — put #KidsCantWait in your post and tag Governor Kathy Hochul
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 Conversation
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
