New York is falling behind when it comes to helping its youngest residents with developmental delays — and a new report says the time to act is now.
The state ranks 48th in the country for delivering Early Intervention (EI) services on time, according to The Children’s Agenda, a non-profit focused on child well-being. Its new report, Reimagine the Future, lays out urgent recommendations for reforming the state’s struggling system.
Thousands of infants and toddlers across New York are stuck on waitlists for services like speech, occupational, and physical therapy. These are critical supports meant to help children reach early milestones — and advocates say delays can have lifelong consequences.
“New York’s children deserve better than to rank almost last in the nation,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a cosponsor of the state’s EI Reform bill. “This report makes it clear that we urgently need changes to be made.”
The report pushes for more than just increased funding. It highlights smarter approaches used in other states and calls for major structural reforms to fix service delays and improve access — especially in communities of color and rural areas.
Brigit Hurley, Chief Program Officer at The Children’s Agenda, said families are being failed by a system that was supposed to support them.
“It is unacceptable for infants and toddlers to languish on waitlists for life-changing therapies,” she said. “This is a pivotal moment for New York’s Early Intervention program and the families who depend on it.”
The Kids Can’t Wait Campaign, led by The Children’s Agenda, continues to advocate for legislative and budget changes to improve the system statewide.
Learn more or read the full report at: https://thechildrensagenda.org
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