New report reveals nearly 10,000 preschoolers in NYC did not receive entitled special education services
Advocates for Children of New York revealed that occupational, speech and physical therapy were not given to thousands of students.
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A new analysis finds that nearly 10,000 preschoolers in New York City who have disabilities did not receive special education services they were entitled to in the 2021-2022 school year.
The Advocates for Children of New York released this report on Tuesday. Services that weren’t provided to those 9,800 pre-K students include speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy, despite students being recommended for these resources.
The advocacy group says that they work with families throughout the city, dealing with even more difficulty for the ongoing school year getting services in place for these preschoolers – which is why they think the numbers for this school year may end up being even higher.
The Department of Education provided the following statement in response:
"This Administration is committed to righting this wrong. We are working to ensure that all students receive the services, supports, and resources that they need to succeed.”
The Department of Education also told News 12 that they have expanded their team of occupational, physical, and speech therapists dedicated to serving preschool students since 2020.
