Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) is requesting that state funding for Universal Pre-K (UPK) include coverage for pre-kindergarten special education programs. She recently sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver asking for both UPK and pre-K special education funding to be included in the 2014-15 budget.

“New York State needs to make good on its commitment to a statewide pre-K initiative that is really universal,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “Funding pre-K special education programs in the same way K-12 special education programs are funded would both simplify this program and greatly benefit children who need these services. It would also align the state with federal standards, allowing all our children the opportunity for a quality 21st century education.”

“Thank you to Assemblywoman Didi Barrett for joining us in support of fully funded, truly Universal Pre-Kindergarten,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. The governor’s proposal to expand pre-Kindergarten education does indeed present a golden opportunity to tear down barriers in the education system and ensure every child has the chance to maximize their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. A fully funded state program would provide much needed relief to overburdened county governments and provide a single, more efficient and higher quality system of care for our children.”

Currently, the state of New York separates how it provides pre-K education: one for children with special needs, funded mostly by county governments, and one for “mainstream” students, funded mostly by the school districts. Having a universal pre-K program that encompasses pre-K special education, funded fully by the state, would ease the property tax burden on local residents and free up funding for counties to use on other services.

Beyond that in New York, opportunities for preschool children with special needs and disabilities are limited under New York’s current Preschool Special Education structure and must be brought in line with federal standards which require that special education services in school-based settings to be provided to children ages 3-21. New York State is failing in its obligation to provide a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. By having a complete state takeover of the program, it will not only simplify program funding, but it will also benefit the children who use these services, Barrett noted.

“For too long our preschool special needs children have endured a bifurcated and disjointed system. We need to do better for these children and their families,” said Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the New York Association of Counties (NYSAC). “We applaud Assemblywoman Barrett for working to fix this critical special needs program and we encourage her colleagues in the assembly and senate to strongly support this measure.”

Children with special needs and disabilities achieve greater developmental success when they receive services alongside their peers.¹ State funding of pre-K special education programs would make service delivery across the state more consistent, and school districts would be able to provide high-quality, cost-effective services to their students, added Barrett.

“With full funding from the state for true Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Dutchess County government could realize $7 million in annual mandate relief and would eliminate the necessity of county sales tax on energy sources,” County Executive Molinaro said. “We are grateful to Assemblywoman Barrett for her support for an integrated and fully funded statewide program.”

“It’s critical for the state to assume the full cost of this program, rather than leaving it to cash-strapped counties or other local governments,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “I will fight for a truly Universal Pre-K program in New York State to ensure all of our children are given the quality education they deserve.”

1. mcie.org/usermedia/application/6/inclusion_works_final.pdf