Preschool Special Education Services: Despite rising costs, 4410 non-public preschool special education programs for children with educational disabilities, have received only one tiny tuition increase in seven years. Students in these center-based classrooms are assigned by the school district because of limited capacity in public preschool special education classrooms. These programs are struggling to remain solvent and many have had to make the difficult decision to delay repairs, cut staff benefits and take other emergency measures to preserve their programs. Twelve non-public preschool programs in NYC closed this year, and though other programs stepped forward to accept the students, an estimated 550 preschoolers experienced a disruption in their mandated education services. Further, because of the growth of Universal PreK programs in NYC, many preschool special education staff have left to accept better-paying positions in these new programs. 4410 preschools cannot match the salaries and benefits offered to UPK staff, Preschool special education tuition rates must increase by 5%.
Early Intervention (EI): The Executive Budget proposes a broad restructuring of the EI referral, eligibility determination, screening, and evaluation processes that would have a negative impact on children and families, and may not yield any cost savings. These proposals should be rejected. However, the proposal to require health insurance companies to contribute to the cost of EI services 
by prohibiting them from denying coverage for EI claims based on certain factors, must be retained. Despite annual rising costs and increased administrative requirements, Early Intervention rates have actually decreased since 2010, causing many experienced providers to discontinue providing EI services. The Executive Budget proposal of a 1% increase for administrative costs only, is insulting and grossly insufficient. To maintain the viability of this program, EI rates must increase by at least 5%.