There is a call for children qualified for early intervention services in New York state to receive those services without delay.

The Children’s Agenda reports that only about half of the children who qualify for early intervention care are receiving all the services in a timely manner.

The Children’s Agenda's Kids Can’t Wait Coalition is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase funding in the current budget proposal by 11% to help infants and toddlers reach their full potential.

"The one thing I kind of clued in on was motor development was a little bit behind," said Lynn Modenga of her 2-year-old son, Timothy. 

She says she brought her concerns about potential delayed development to the pediatrician who referred them for an assessment. Timothy qualified for physical therapy and speech therapy services. But she says the family was told there is a shortage of providers and Timothy would be placed on an overcapacity waitlist.

According to Mordenga, the county originally said, 'oh, he should get services within 30 days because that’s, like, a federal right -- and we were under the impression that’s what was going to happen. But that turned into a much longer wait time."

In fact, Timothy would wait for six months for physical therapy services. As for speech therapy, he is still waiting and has been for more than a year. He will only qualify until he turns 3, he’s already 2 and a half.

“I get concerned because if he does go to preschool, will he be able to communicate well with his peers, and be able to use his language skills to full development," Mordenga said.

“At this point, the biggest barrier to the children getting the services they need is there are not enough providers,” said Brigit Hurley, the chief program officer at the Children’s Agenda. “So they’re evaluated. They’re deemed eligible because of a delay in a particular area or a disability, and a plan is set. And there is no one to provide the services.”

Hurley says the services can be life-changing for the child and for the family.

“The difference when they get the services is just amazing,” she said.

Lynn says physical therapy is making a difference for Timothy.

“I know there’s a lot of other things that come into the budget,” she said. “I just really think this early intervention, 11% increase, is really crucial because it starts at the foundation. And it will just alleviate any kind of problems later on for when kids move into preschool. And it just sets such a good foundation for the success of the future of the kids.”

Hochul's office released a statement on the matter on Wednesday:

“Governor Hochul's Executive Budget makes transformative investments to make New York more affordable, more livable and safer, and she looks forward to working with the legislature on a final budget that meets the needs of all New Yorkers.”

On Tuesday, the Assembly and State Senate each released their budget proposals. Both included the 11% increase that this group has been calling for.

On Feb. 28, 2023, the New York State Comptroller’s Office released an audit of the state’s Early Intervention Program. It found that many young children did not receive services or faced delays in care. The audit recommended that the New York State Department of Health improve its management of the Early Intervention program and eliminate barriers to care.