We are a group of concerned individuals living in Nassau & Suffolk Counties, Long Island NY. Among us are parents and caregivers of preschoolers ages 3 to 5 with disabilities who are not receiving their full therapeutic and educational services through their mandated individualized education program (IEP). This is due to a severe shortage of providers - a crisis that has been exacerbated by the stagnant pay rates for these professionals over the last 25 years.

Our children have unique needs that require specialized care. The professionals who provide this care play an integral role in our children's development, yet they are grossly underpaid. This has led to an alarming decline in the number of providers available, leaving many families without access to crucial services.

According to data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, wages for these licensed providers have remained unchanged for over 25 years while inflation has risen by over 60%. This disparity is causing talented educators and therapists to leave the field or avoid it altogether due to financial constraints.

We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and therapy services irrespective of their abilities or disabilities. It's time we value those who dedicate their lives towards nurturing our most vulnerable population.

We urge you - our elected officials - to mandate an increase in pay rates for providers working with preschool children with disabilities. By doing so, we can attract more qualified professionals into this field and ensure all children receive the support they need. Because it has been so many years, the increase needs to be substantial to match the cost of living here in Nassau and Suffolk. 

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair compensation for those providing essential services for our children with disabilities.