Statement on Proposed Cuts to Early Intervention Funding in Colorado

These devastating proposed cuts will reduce access to vital services, increase wait times, and place additional strain on families and providers. Read ABCD's full statement and access resources below.

ABCD's board and staff, September 2024.

We at ABCD are deeply alarmed by recent proposed cuts to early intervention funding in Colorado.

One in eight children in our state has a developmental delay or disability, and early support is critical for their health, wellbeing and success in school and in life. These devastating proposed cuts will reduce access to vital services, increase wait times, and place additional strain on families and providers.

Early intervention changes lives. Research shows that timely developmental support leads to better long-term educational outcomes, stronger families, and lower healthcare and special education costs. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and these funding cuts jeopardize the future of Colorado children. Without proper funding, children may miss crucial developmental windows, leading to greater challenges later in life.

This is an evolving situation and recently the state provided funding to keep early intervention services afloat until June. However, there is no clarity about the future of early intervention funding. We urge lawmakers to continue to prioritize this vital support beyond June 2025. We urge policymakers in Colorado to fully fund and prioritize early childhood development. Every child deserves the chance to thrive–Colorado’s future depends on it!

Information & Recommendations for healthcare and early childhood providers:

1. Until further notice, services are to continue as stated in a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

2. Continue to make developmental referrals–do not assume services are unavailable.

3. Include the following talking points when discussing the referral with families:

   1. Services might be provided via telehealth as an alternative.

   2. Advocate for what your child needs: 1) Stay in close communication with your service coordinator. 2) Attend public meetings and share your story. 3) Connect with parent advocacy groups for support.

   3. Know your rights: Learn what your child is entitled to under federal and state law [Family Rights and Dispute Resolution].

4. Build awareness and strengthen relationships with local referral sources, including home visitation, home health and private entities (Parents As Teachers (PAT), Nurse Family Partnership (NFP), Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)).

5. Provide families resources to support their child’s development at home (Learn The Signs. Act Early (LTSAE), Bright by Text, Early Learning and Development Guidelines (ELDGs), etc.)