The New York City Department of Education faces staffing shortages that hinder the provision of essential services to preschool-aged children with disabilities. The City Council has allocated an additional $70 million for these services in the fiscal year 2026 budget, addressing concerns over service availability. Families report long wait times for evaluations and therapy, exacerbated by budget constraints. Advocates stress that delays lead to learning loss, while children can lose previously gained skills when services are interrupted.
The New York City Department of Education testified that it was short of staff to provide necessary services to preschool-aged children with disabilities.
The City Council pushed for increased funding in the fiscal year 2026 adopted city budget, which includes an additional $70 million for preschool services.
Budgetary constraints and staffing shortages have resulted in families waiting months for necessary preschool special education services.
Extended periods without services can lead to learning loss, with children losing previously gained skills.
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