In "State budget's aim is low growth," Oct. 3, cost reduction for preschool special education is cited as a priority. The almost $1 billion cost certainly needs to be addressed. The key to reducing this cost is prevention.
Research has repeatedly shown that children engaged in high-quality early care and education are less likely to require special education.
Infants and toddlers in the care of knowledgeable, skilled caregivers have a secure base from which to explore the world and expand their cognitive capacity, developing the foundation needed for obtaining new skills and knowledge.
When children don't develop this foundation, their development can be disordered, requiring intervention.
Infants and toddlers in high-quality early care settings also are more likely to receive early intervention services when needed. Early intervention addresses delays early on; therapy is often complete before the child reaches preschool age, preventing the need for preschool special education.
One way to ensure that families have options for, and access to, quality early care and learning settings is to fund QUALITYstarsNY.
QUALITYstarsNY is our state's quality rating and improvement system. This system allows programs to continually assess and improve their quality, and educates parents about quality care and education.
A $20 million investment to implement QUALITYstarsNY statewide is 2 percent of the $1 billion the state is spending on preschool special education. The investment would help reduce future special education costs and costs associated with grade retention, incarceration, rehabilitation and health care. QUALITYstarsNY is an effective strategy for cost reduction and economic growth.
MARSHA BASLOE
Executive director
Early Care &
Learning Council
Albany KRISTEN KERR
Executive director
New York State Association for the Education of
Young Children
Albany