As a community, we are witnessing an unfortunate reality where many students with developmental delays, who should be starting their school journey, aren't able to do so because of the lack of public developmental centers. Most schools offering special education require students to be assessed and put into therapy. However, the high cost of private centers is prohibitive for many parents, leaving them with no choice but to halt the education of their children.

Mental health is as important as physical health - a belief that drives us forward in this cause. It's not just about providing an education; it's about ensuring our children have access to the resources they need to thrive and grow in society.

According to data from The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), around 14% of all public school students received some form of special education services in 2018-19 (source: NCES). This statistic underscores the urgent need for more accessible developmental centers.

We call upon our local government officials to recognize this pressing issue and take immediate action. We urge you to establish public developmental centers that will provide affordable assessment and therapy services for our children with special needs. By doing so, we can ensure that no child is left behind due to financial constraints or lack of resources.

Please sign this petition if you believe in equal educational opportunities for all our children regardless of their mental or physical abilities. Your signature can make a difference!