PSA: the state is trying to cut Early Intervention Services for babies and toddlers

I want to make this community aware that in effort to balance the budget, state lawmakers (led by Rep. Mia Gregerson, Democrat – SeaTac) are considering reducing funding for early intervention services for kids aged 0-3, also known as Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). This program provides free and low cost early intervention like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for kids with disabilities. Intervening early vastly improves outcomes for kids. My own child qualified for their speech therapy program when he wasn’t saying any words by 18 months, and by the time he was 3 no longer needed services. His service provider asked if we could testify in Olympia…in the middle of a work day when I couldn’t get time off. I’ve contacted my legislators but please consider contacting yours as well. These services are critical for the most vulnerable children in our state.