Little Lukes has been providing preschool special education services for children ages 3-5 with disabilities or developmental delays since 1997. These preschool special education programs fulfill New York State's federal obligation to provide all children with a free and appropriate public education. 

New York's preschool special education system is under enormous financial strain as the state set reimbursement for these schools has fallen well below the costs.  These schools have a proven track record for helping to meet the state's obligation by providing children with disabilities the skills necessary to learn, reducing the cost of disabilities later in life and helping children to reach their potential.

NEW YORK STATE HAS PROVIDED ZERO INCREASE IN THE PAST (SIX) 6 YEARS!

While aid to New York State school districts has increased every year, young students with disabilities who attend preschool special education programs, their teachers and staff are denied similar increases.

What is the result of this lack of support from New York State?  

-Inability to attract and retain quality teachers and staff;

-Inability to keep pace with and financially support new technology and therapy;

-Inability to meet the demands of this growing population in the timeframes required by federal law;

-The closure of many preschool special education programs 

 New York State must provide an increase for preschool  children with disabilities so that they can continue to provide services to children with disabilities so that New York State can meet it's federal requirement.

The Governor has supported wage rate increases for restaurant workers and he should properly fund the preschool education programs so those preschool workers can receive similar wage increases. Please support a rate increase for these critical preschool special education programs now!