Rochester, NY October 1, 2023 – On Friday, State legislators, including members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus led by Chair Assemblymember Michaelle Solages (D-22AD), gathered in Rochester and declared their commitment to revitalize the Early Intervention program that provides therapeutic services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. The expanding coalition of legislators represents a significant elevation of Early Intervention as a priority in Albany.

 “Families of color encounter a notable disadvantage when seeking early intervention services,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages (D-AD22). “The lack of investment in crucial intervention programs has resulted in children experiencing extended waiting periods for evaluations and necessary services. New York State has a responsibility to ensure the delivery of high-quality early intervention care, irrespective of one's zip code or income level. Today, we underscore the urgent need for substantial funding to enhance early intervention services within the upcoming New York State budget.”

Early Intervention is a federally mandated program for children under 3 years of age who are experiencing developmental delays or disabilities. Services are legally required to begin within 30 days of the child’s support plan being approved by developmental experts and the child’s family. An audit conducted by the Office of the State Comptroller found that 51% of New York children who qualified for Early Intervention did not receive timely services. In Monroe County alone there are currently more than 500 children who have been waiting more than 30 days for services.

“A significant factor causing long waitlists is a lack of providers,” said Brigit Hurley, Chief Program Officer at The Children’s Agenda and organizer of the Kids Can’t Wait campaign. “The program cannot attract or keep providers because of the low rate the state pays for services. In 1994 when the program started, the average base rate was $79 per service. In 2023, it is $69. I know of no one who could afford to stay in a job where they were paid less than they were 29 years ago. It is no surprise, then, that so many providers have left the Early Intervention program.” 

 "Children who receive timely Early Intervention (EI) services have substantially better outcomes than children who don't. Some go on not to need any services at all as they age,” said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford (D-AD135). “Not only does EI help us build stronger, more independent and resilient kids, but it is a cost-saver over time, as fewer kids need to be pulled out of classrooms for intervention or go on to require additional physical or occupational supports throughout their lives. I am proud to be a loud supporter of the 11% rate increase, and I'm honored that my colleagues were able to join us today to show that this coalition is expanding across the State. I hope the Governor will see how necessary this rate increase is for kids and communities from Long Island to Buffalo by including this increase in her Executive budget."

The shortage of providers disproportionately affects children of color. Data from the Comptroller’s audit show that white children are generally referred at a younger age and Black children are less likely to receive services within the federally mandated time frame. Rural communities are also severely impacted with some counties having no providers left in the county.

"We stand firmly behind Assemblymember Lunsford's commitment to increasing Early Intervention reimbursement rates by at least 11% in the 2024-25 budget,” said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (D-SD34). “The decline in timely services for New York's children is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. By investing in Early Intervention, we are not only fulfilling our legal obligations but also giving every child, regardless of their background, the chance to thrive and succeed."

85% of brain development occurs before children start school, so the time from birth to age 3 is critical for child development. Early Intervention is one of the most cost-effective interventions we can provide to these children, with two-thirds to three-quarters of children who receive services making greater than expected growth.

“Increasing the quality and effectiveness of early intervention programs in New York is crucial for the development of children’s cognitive, social and emotional skills,” said Assemblymember Demond Meeks (D-AD137). “Early intervention services are necessary to assist with a child’s development. This upcoming budget cycle, my state colleagues and I will continue to advocate for meaningful resources to ensure the health and well-being of our community is supported by this needed initiative.” 

 “It is time that comprehensive early childhood services become more inclusive and accessible to New York’s children,” said state Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-SD56). “I’m proud to stand alongside the Children’s Agenda, Assemblymember Lunsford and my colleagues in the legislature to urge the Governor to include an increase of early intervention reimbursement rates in the 2024-2025 state budget. These speech, occupation, and physical therapy services are monumental in enhancing the overall health and wellness of our communities. We must continue to collaborate and advocate for our youngest generation on their journey to improved health.”

Additional support was declared by Assemblymembers Sarah Clark, Harry Bronson, Josh Jensen, William Conrad, Amy Paulin, and Karen McMahon.

Assemblymember Sarah Clark (D-AD136): “Early Intervention services are essential to ensuring children receive the speech, physical, occupational, and other therapies they need. If done timely and when needed, children benefit greatly down the road. Unfortunately, low wages have caused providers to leave the field, creating delays for children to receive intervention, or to never receive services at all. It is critical that New York State increase funding for Early Intervention services so that young children can receive the services that they deserve and have every opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson (D-AD138): “Increasing reimbursement rates and improving access to Early Intervention Services is one of my top priorities in the upcoming legislative session. Properly funding these services is not only long overdue, but imperative. We must raise the reimbursement rates to providers so our children and families can receive the care they need. By ignoring the importance of EI, we are doing a disservice to thousands of children and families throughout the state, who are then left vulnerable in their most critical years. I fully stand with my colleagues, and our families, across New York State in bringing awareness to this pivotal issue.”

Assemblymember Josh Jensen (R,C-AD134): “Receiving resources and support through early invention can greatly benefit children who need those services most. Early Intervention is about more than just providing resources and support, it is also about empowering families and giving them the tools, they need to succeed. Both my son and I received Early Intervention speech therapy and it truly allowed our family to overcome challenges and meet developmental milestones. No child or family should have to wait multiple months or even years to get the help they need. This is all the more reason as to why we must make a conscious effort in increasing Early Intervention funding.”

Assemblymember William Conrad (D-AD140): “Early Intervention makes every difference in the life of a young child who’s experiencing a delay or disability. We know how to set kids up for success in school and in life, and it is troubling to know that their potential is hampered by New York State’s failure to adequately support the Early Intervention services they need. We must fund these programs and providers at a level that will ensure their availability when needed, not only for the benefit of our children and their future, but for the benefit of our families and communities, as well.”

Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-AD88): "We must increase the Early Intervention reimbursement rates in the budget this year. New York State has over 70,000 toddlers with developmental delays, special needs, and other concerns who critically need access to quality early intervention services. Access to these services has been hampered by the state’s pattern of inadequate compensation, which has led to a severe shortage of EI providers.”

Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-AD146): "Early childhood developmental services are vital to the growth of young children with disabilities. The earlier we can provide services like speech, occupational, and physical therapies, the higher the likelihood that they will realize their full potential and be less reliant on support in the future. I'm joining my colleagues in the Assembly to make sure that funding for these programs is in the upcoming state budget. "