By Mackenzie McIntyre
In a rapidly changing world, staying informed about key developments in the field of Childhood Intervention is essential to ensuring that children receive the best care and support. Childhood Intervention services play a key role in addressing developmental delays in children, but the landscape is constantly evolving. The following articles serves as a roundup, compiling a wide range of articles that bring attention to significant topics and challenges within Early Intervention.
Monroe County lawmakers call on Hochul to boost pay for Early Intervention providers – By Jeremy Moule
A group of state legislators is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to increase reimbursement rates for therapists and teachers providing services to children with developmental delays through New York’s Early Intervention program. The lawmakers argue that these providers have been paid less since the program’s launch in 1994, leading to a shortage of providers and leaving 1,000 children in Monroe County waiting for necessary services.
ZERO TO THREE Releases State of Babies 2023 Yearbook – By Hannah Guevara
Addresses the impact of state and federal policies on families with young children, highlighting issues such as unaffordable child care, low rates of developmental screening for infants and toddlers, and state differences in access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Early intervention services expanded for Tennessee children up to the beginning of school – By Hope McAlee
Tennessee becomes the first state to offer early intervention services until children start school, providing therapy and support to children with developmental delays. This expansion of services aims to benefit eligible families beyond a child’s fifth birthday.
Pre-enrollment data may help reduce disparities in early interventions – By Kara Arundel
Collecting demographic data about infants and toddlers referred for early intervention services is recommended to address service disparities. The report emphasizes the importance of data collection to improve equity in access to services and child development.
U.S. Department of Education Finds Alaska, Arkansas, and New York in Noncompliance; Issues Differentiated Monitoring Support Findings
The United States Department of Education issues differentiated monitoring support (DMS) reports for Alaska, Arkansas, and New York, which were all found to violate Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The reports detail specific instances of noncompliance as well as the necessary corrective actions.
Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas Early Learning Council – By the State of Texas Staff
Governor Greg Abbott appoints members to the Texas Early Learning Council to enhance early childhood services and improve coordination between state agencies and local service providers.
University of South Dakota Launches PACE Scholars Program – By Veda Tonneson
The University of South Dakota initiated a Program for Advancing Childhood Early Intervention (PACE) Scholars Program, training personnel to care for children with disabilities.
$1.25 million grant awarded to UAB to continue collaboration between schools’ efforts to enhance interdisciplinary training – By Adam Pope
Dr. Jennifer Kilgo of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education receives a $1.25 million grant to support Project TransTeam Evolution, focusing on enhancing early intervention and early childhood special education.
NMSU Hest program receives grant for diverse early intervention training – By the New Mexico Sun Staff
New Mexico State University secures a $1.25 million grant to support Project RISE, which aims to provide diverse early intervention training for infants, toddlers, and their families in New Mexico.
Health Department hosting community meeting on early intervention program – By the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments hold a Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting to discuss advocacy, elect officers, and seek input to improve the Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
Interagency Coordinating Councils (ICCs) – By Stephanie Moss
Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates the establishment of state Interagency Coordinating Councils (ICCs) to support the Part C program, which focuses on early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
Early intervention programs in Utah not experiencing chronic staffing shortages – By Amanda Dickson
Early intervention programs in Utah are not facing chronic staffing shortages, in contrast to the national trend. The program is expanding to provide support from birth to age 8.
Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agency – By Peter Hancock
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has proposed the creation of a new state agency to consolidate all early childhood programs and funding, aiming to make Illinois a leader in childcare accessibility. Currently, early childhood services in Illinois are managed by three separate state agencies. This initiative is part of an effort to provide equal access to high-quality early childhood education and care services for children from birth to age five in the state. To start the reorganization process, Pritzker has already signed an executive order; a formal legislative process is anticipated in the spring.