Will Budget Cuts Mute the Voices of Most Vulnerable Children?

Planned Cuts to Early Intervention Program

Parents and therapists in Colorado are reacting to planned cuts to the state’s Early Intervention program, which provides essential therapies to young children with developmental delays. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood announced that due to a $4 million funding shortfall, services could be limited to four hours of therapy per month. This program currently supports around 11,000 children each month, offering services like speech and physical therapy.

Celia Saravia, a mother from Westminster, shared her distress, stating, “We had a little cry about it because it’s just so sad.” The proposed cuts would severely limit the number of therapy hours children currently receive, with some children, like Saravia’s daughter, getting triple the proposed limit. This change is expected to prevent some Medicaid recipients from accessing essential therapies and create longer wait times.

State officials indicated that the cuts were necessary due to increased eligibility for services and the end of certain federal stimulus funding.
Funding for the Early Intervention program comes from federal, state, and private sources.
Experts argue that early intervention can prevent the need for more intensive and costly support later in life.

Temporary Pause on Cuts

On March 3, 2025, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood announced a temporary pause on the planned cuts to the Early Intervention program.
This decision comes as state officials explore potential solutions to the funding gap. The program had initially announced that starting March 3, the four-hour cap on therapy services would be implemented.

The Joint Budget Committee is working with the department to address the $4 million shortfall. In response to community outcry, an emergency hearing was conducted to discuss the budget and the implications of the cuts. Representatives expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the severity of the issue, with Rep. Rick Taggart stating, “For some reason the department didn’t think we were worthy of knowing how serious this issue is.”

Potential solutions include redirecting underutilized funds from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. The department is actively seeking legislative solutions to secure funding and ensure uninterrupted services for the children in need.

Implications of Funding Shortfall

The Early Intervention program is vital for children up to the age of three with developmental disabilities. Currently, the program operates with an annual budget of 87.4million,withabout704 million shortfall due to increased demand and the expiration of federal funding.

Committee members are exploring options for finding funds amidst a $1 billion budget deficit in Colorado. Discussions include utilizing money from other areas of the Early Intervention budget and potentially implementing a limit on therapy services to stretch funding through the fiscal year. The implications of these cuts could lead to a significant impact on children’s development and future needs for intensive support.

Community Response and Future Steps

The community’s response to the proposed cuts has been overwhelmingly negative, with many parents expressing concern over their children’s future access to necessary therapies. The department’s decision to pause the cuts provides a temporary relief, but the long-term solutions are still under negotiation.

Parents like Jessica Richardson expressed their fears about having to choose which services are most critical for their children. The emotional toll on families is significant, as they navigate the uncertainty of funding and therapy access.

The department has committed to providing updates on the situation, with further communications expected soon. Stakeholders are hopeful that collaborative efforts can lead to a resolution that ensures continued support for children with disabilities.

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