Monroe County, NY: "Funding crisis in preschool SPED"; 2,700 children rely on it each year

June 11, 2019, Rochester (NY) First: Monroe County funding crisis for preschool special education https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/local-news/monroe-county-funding-crisis-for-preschool-special-education/2070321057 Advocates for children with disabilities packed the Monroe County Legislature tonight over the funding crisis in preschool special education. Under law, Pre-K special education services such as speech and physical therapy must be provided to eligible children ages 3 to 5 years old. But state reimbursements have remained flat for years, forcing many teachers to leave the field. … According to the children's agenda, about 2700 children ages 3 to 5 rely on pre-school special ed every year. It says because of low pay, there is a critical shortage of service providers.