Thank you to everyone who took the time to sign this petition. Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties responded and will be implementing increases for related services providers! Nassau County has announced an increase of 25% ($10 increase per half-hour), which will be effective once the Department of Health officially recognizes it.  Suffolk has announced an 11.5% increase ($5 per half-hour),  which will be effective starting in July 2024.  With these changes, Nassau and Suffolk will now have the same related services rates, as Suffolk was already $5 higher than Nassau before these changes. 

This is a big accomplishment, and wonderful to see how the community came together around this very important issue. This is one step to making sure preschoolers with disabilities can receive quality services. There is still work to be done at the state level in New York in regard to special education itinerant teacher (SEITs) rates, and other areas such as evaluations. These are also critical issues and will require community support. 

Once again, thank you for making a difference!