New legislation has been proposed that would increase reimbursement rates for preschools with special education programs for the first time in 10 years. 

The proposal, submitted by Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo, would give a 15 percent increase for all preschool special education services. Some of those services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

The county also would implement group rates in 2019 for services provided to multiple children at once, increasing the capacity of the preschool special education system.

"We're trying to be proactive and certainly, as I said before, this is really, really important work and the men and women who are service providers," Dinolfo said. "Whether it's in early intervention or preschool special education, they're just doing terrific work to make sure that our kids have their needs fulfilled and they have the best chances."

The County Legislature will vote on the proposed increases on April 9.