New York’s Early Intervention (EI) program is a lifeline for families with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays and disabilities. These early years are crucial for brain development, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families. Unfortunately, families across New York State face long waitlists, service delays, and challenges in finding qualified providers, particularly for in-person services in rural and semi-rural communities. This is not just a statistic; it's affecting real families every day, depriving children of the crucial help they need during their formative years. 

These challenges are not due to a lack of need, but rather a growing shortage of Early Intervention providers. Low reimbursement rates, high student loan debt, extensive travel requirements, and increasing administrative burdens make it difficult for providers to enter—and stay—in the EI system. When providers leave, families lose access to timely, consistent care.

We are calling on New York State lawmakers and the Governor to support and pass the following critical pieces of legislation that work together to strengthen the Early Intervention system for children and families:

1. Early Intervention Loan Repayment Program (S8290/A1974)
This bill would establish a loan repayment program for EI providers who commit to delivering in-person services in underserved areas for three years. Loan repayment is a proven workforce strategy that would help recruit and retain qualified providers, reduce service gaps, and improve continuity of care for families—particularly in communities where providers are hardest to find.

 
2. Early Intervention Rate Increase for In-Person Services (A1147)
Current EI reimbursement rates do not reflect the true cost of providing in-person services, especially in areas with high travel demands. This bill would authorize an 11% increase in reimbursement rates, helping agencies and providers maintain services, reduce turnover, and ensure families can access care without long delays.

 
3. Independent Review of the Early Intervention Program (S1222A/A283A)
This bill would require a comprehensive, independent review of the EI program’s reimbursement structure, workforce needs, and service delivery models. A data-driven review is long overdue and essential to understanding why families are struggling to access services—and what changes are needed to ensure long-term program stability and equity statewide.

The root of these issues lies in a workforce stretched thin and an insufficient legislative support system. To address these challenges, we urgently need the New York State legislature to pass bills S8290/A1974, A1147, and S1222A/A283A. These bills are designed to strengthen the EI workforce, enhance service delivery, and ensure that every child in New York has access to necessary early intervention services.

Why This Matters
Early Intervention works best when children receive services early, consistently, and close to home. Provider shortages and underfunding undermine these goals and place unnecessary stress on families during already challenging times. Addressing workforce sustainability through loan repayment, fair reimbursement, and thoughtful program review will directly improve outcomes for children and strengthen communities across New York State.

Passing these bills will lead to the recruitment and retention of more qualified EI providers, decrease service delays, and reduce waitlists. It will also allocate resources toward underserved regions, ensuring that families in rural areas have the same access to services as those in urban centers. 

According to a report by the New York Early Intervention Program, the demand for EI services increases each year, with a growing population of children requiring these essential supports. The passage of these bills will ensure the sustainability of this critical program, helping thousands of children reach their full potential.

Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and it starts with the right support in their early years. By joining this movement, you can help ensure that no family is left waiting for the services their child needs.

We Urge Policymakers To:

• Support and pass S8290/A1974, A1147, and S1222A/A283A
• Prioritize in-person Early Intervention services in underserved communities
• Invest in a stable, sustainable EI workforce so families can access services when they need them most
  
  Children cannot wait. Families cannot wait. The Early Intervention system must be strengthened now.

Please stand with New York’s children and families by supporting these bills.

TAKE ACTION: Contact Your Elected Officials
Signing this petition is an important first step — but direct messages from families are what truly move legislation forward.

We encourage all New York residents to contact their State Senator, State Assembly Member, and Governor Kathy Hochul to urge support for the following bills:

S8290 / A1974 – Early Intervention Loan Repayment Program
A1147 – 11% Rate Increase for In-Person Early Intervention Services
S1222A / A283A – Independent Review of the Early Intervention Program

Step 1: Find Your NYS Legislators (by district)
Use these official tools to look up your representatives by address or ZIP code:

• Find your NY State Senator:
  https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator
• Find your NY State Assembly Member:
  https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

(These tools ensure your message is counted as coming from a constituent.)

 
Step 2: Contact the Governor
All New Yorkers can also contact the Governor directly:

• Governor Kathy Hochul
  📞 Phone: (518) 474-8390
  📝 Contact Form:
  https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

 
Step 3: What to Say
You don’t need to be an expert. A short message is enough. You can say:

“I am a New York parent/caregiver/community member urging you to support legislation that strengthens the Early Intervention program, including S8290/A1974 (loan repayment), A1147 (rate increase), and S1222A/A283A (program review). Families in our area are struggling to access timely EI services due to provider shortages. Please support and advance these bills.”

Personal stories are especially powerful, but even a brief message makes a difference.

Why Your Voice Matters
Early Intervention services support infants and toddlers during the most critical years of development. Provider shortages and underfunding delay care, disrupt services, and increase stress for families. These bills work together to stabilize the EI workforce, improve access to care, and ensure children receive services when they need them most.

Please contact your representatives today and ask them to stand with New York’s children and families.

Sign this petition to urge the New York State Legislature to pass S8290/A1974, A1147, and S1222A/A283A. Let's ensure all children in New York receive the early intervention services they need to flourish.