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New York’s Early Intervention (EI) program is a vital resource for our community. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in February 2026 reinforces that intervening early for children with developmental delays is significantly more effective than waiting until they enter school. The study confirms that Early Intervention, which serves children birth to age 3, improves ELA (English Language Arts) proficiency and reduces long-term K-12 special education costs.
As parents in Rochester, we have seen firsthand the testament of the above data. When Lynn’s son, Timothy, required physical, speech, and occupational therapy in 2022, he was placed on long waitlists and did not receive all the necessary services. However, the physical and occupational therapy he did receive provided the foundation for his current success. Now five years old and in kindergarten, Timothy is no longer classified as a student with a disability; his recent report card even shows he is exceeding ELA standards.
For parents like Elizabeth Maxwell, the data on Early Intervention isn’t just a statistic—it’s a story of survival and success. Her daughter, Scarlett, spent eight agonizing months on a waitlist, a period of lost time that haunts many families. But once those speech, physical, and occupational therapies finally began, the transformation was undeniable. Today, Scarlett isn’t just keeping up; as a third grader, she is performing at or above grade level and soaring in gymnastics. While she still navigates the world with the support of an IEP for social and emotional skills, her journey proves that when we catch children early, we don’t just change their schedules—we change the entire trajectory of their lives. We owe it to every child in New York ‘waitlisted’ by EI to ensure their story ends with this same level of hope.
Unfortunately, our stories are not unique. Thousands of toddlers are missing out on their federally mandated right to Early Intervention while waiting months or even aging out of Early Intervention services altogether. While New York’s EI program enrolls 65,000-70,000 children annually, many remain underserved. This puts children at a disadvantage and increases long-term costs to taxpayers for K-12 special education.
We believe every child in New York who needs Early Intervention services should receive them. We encourage Governor Hochul and NYS legislators to make the investments necessary to ensure these therapies are available to every child. The Assembly and Senate have called for increased EI funding in their one-house budget proposals for 2026-27; the final approved budget must follow suit.
A critical first step is an 8% increase in rates for the skilled professionals working in the program. Many providers are currently paid less than the rates set in the 1990s and are leaving the field because they cannot earn a living wage. We cannot afford to wait until next year’s budget; the babies and toddlers who will soon be our elementary students need this investment now. Prioritize New York’s children by fully funding Early Intervention today—because an investment in these foundational years ensures that future generations of families can thrive without the developmental setbacks that become harder and costlier to overcome after age three.
Elizabeth Maxwell and Lynn Mordenga
Members of the Children’s Agenda’s Very Invested Parents group
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