12.06.2019 | Albany Times Union | The analysis, released Thursday by Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) and Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), finds that children under the age of three with developmental delays or disabilities are less likely to receive critical services that could help them reach their full potential if they live in low-income neighborhoods of color.

While the report focuses largely on disparities in New York City, it also highlights deficiencies in the rest of the state. According to data in the report, in 2018, one out of every four children found eligible for early intervention services in New York had to wait longer than the 30-day legal deadline for services, losing valuable opportunities to address developmental delays at a time when their brains are rapidly developing.

“For years, the state has failed to adequately invest in Early Intervention, and young children in low-income communities of color are paying the price,” said Kim Sweet, executive director of AFC. “This analysis confirms what we’ve seen on the ground: that the educational disparities we see later in life start before children even set foot in the classroom.” Read article