Dutchess County Legislative Committee Votes to Increase Pay for Preschool Special Ed Providers

At the Family and Human Services Committee meeting tonight, the Dutchess County Legislature passed a resolution increasing the reimbursement rate for providers of Preschool Special Education (PSE) Related Services by $20 per service. A total of 1,497 children are currently enrolled in PSE in Dutchess County, and there are still approximately 246 additional service placements needed, due to the shortage of qualified providers. The resolution passed out of committee unanimously.

The resolution’s lead sponsor and author, Legislator Emma Arnoff (D-LaGrange) said, “As a mother of a child who received these services and as a clinician, I know both personally and professionally how important this support is. Through this resolution, Dutchess County is making it clear that our preschoolers and the professionals who help them grow and thrive are a priority. When we invest in our youngest citizens, we are building a stronger community where every child has the opportunity to grow into a thriving adult.”

Chair Yvette Valdés Smith (D-Fishkill) voiced her support: “Investing in our youth will save money in the long run and provide equitable access to essential services and opportunities. The Legislature is committed to a healthier, stronger Dutchess, and we are proud to support and implement early intervention efforts such as this. There have been significant challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified professionals in Dutchess because our compensation rates are not competitive with neighboring counties. The unfortunate result has been providers seeking employment elsewhere. This reimbursement increase will be subject to an annual analysis to evaluate whether it’s making a difference with provider recruitment and retention.”

“This investment in pre-school-age kids who are struggling won't just change their lives; it will more than pay for itself in the long run when they reach public school and don't need that extra support later. I can't think of anything more impactful we have accomplished yet this year,” said Assistant Majority Leader Kristofer Munn (D-Red Hook).

“This is a long overdue correction,” said Legislator Lisa Kaul (D-Town of Poughkeepsie). “Fairer compensation for preschool special education providers will help attract and retain the providers our families depend on, making Dutchess a place where all families can confidently choose to live and raise their kids, with the services their children deserve.”

“Early support changes lives,” states Legislator Anna Shah (D-Town of Poughkeepsie). “Increasing Section 4410 reimbursement rates will help ensure children receive critical services when they matter most, improving developmental outcomes, strengthening school readiness, and giving every child the best possible start.”

Legislator Trevor Redl (D-Town of Poughkeepsie) said, “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities or where they live. Early intervention can make a lifelong difference, but families can’t access these critical services if we don’t have enough qualified professionals to provide them. By increasing reimbursement rates, we’re making an investment that will yield great returns to the community long into the future.”

The vote advances this resolution to the Legislative Board meeting for a full board vote on Monday, August 10.