Media Contact: Gina Davis, gdavis@zerotothree.org
Washington, DC—ZERO TO THREE released a letter delivered to Members of Congress, signed by dozens of national and state organizations, highlighting the critical role the Department of Education has in preventing and addressing disabilities and developmental delays among infants and toddlers, and the harmful impact dismantling the Department’s work would have on children’s healthy development.
“For infants and toddlers with a disability or developmental delay, intervening early can make all the difference in the world. Early intervention sets babies up for success by providing them and their families with the services and support needed to foster healthy development and let children reach their full potential. Critically, access to early intervention can reduce the need for later – and often costlier – services and supports, making it an effective and efficient use of federal dollars.
“Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), for decades, the Department of Education has provided young children across the country access to essential early intervention services. IDEA guarantees preschoolers, children, and youth with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education, and it is essential for making sure infants and toddlers with developmental needs are identified early and get the supports they need. Any efforts to move, reduce, or dismantle these programs at the Department of Education could be devastating to children at the most critical time in life.
“Since its inception, the Department of Education has been making sure babies and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays get the services they need. ZERO TO THREE urgesCongress to reject legislative proposals that move IDEA out of the Department of Education, reduce funding, or otherwise alter program structure in ways that undermine the services and protections babies need for a strong, healthy start.”
You can read the letter to Congress here.
