Advocacy Center
Parent Advocacy is the most important advocacy of all!
For 853 and 4410 schools, the key question to ask legislators is “If I pay the same taxes as every other New Yorker, why is my child’s school not funded in the same way?” Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) is composed of Early Intervention services, 4410 special-education preschools, 853 state-approved school-age programs, and includes home services for preschool and school age, Children’s Residential Program as well as respite and recreation programs.
New York State passed a $237 billion budget on April 20. While we did not achieve an 11% Rate Reimbursement Rate Increase for Early Intervention Services, 4.3% annual growth for 4410/853 schools, or 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and Direct Support Wage Enhancement, because of your advocacy we were able to: -Maintain the 5% Early Intervention Rate Increase. -Advance A 2.8% COLA including a flexible 1.5% rate increase and 1.7% increase dedicated to direct care staff, clinical staff, support staff and others. These provisions were made possible because the advocacy of self-advocates, family members, staff and friends in the community. Your support promoting these critical services is deeply appreciated. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 SFY Executive Budget, advocates will request a 7.8% increase in provider rates for DSP/non-executive wages and address inflation impacting benefits, maintenance, utilities, food, supplies, transportation and insurance. *From NYDA Stay Connected to State Legislators
Advance Federal Issues, Too!
Become More Informed About Disparities in Funding for 4410 and 853 Schools
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