06/15/2026
David Tellerman, Larry Johnston, and Lauren Fromberg from New York Therapy, along with representatives from school districts, parents, providers, and agencies, attended the Suffolk County Legislature Budget and Finance Committee meeting.
Each participant spoke about the ongoing crisis facing Preschool Special Education Related Services. Many preschool children with disabilities are receiving their mandated services late, or not at all, which has had a significant impact on both the children and their families. Speakers emphasized that this crisis is directly tied to reimbursement rates that remain among the lowest in New York State.
Representatives urged the Legislature to support future rate increases that would align Suffolk County with the state’s average reimbursement rates in order to attract providers back to the field and ensure children receive the services they need.