June 13, 2014
By Stephanie West
Albany, NY – Special education providers will now receive a 3.8 percent increase in reimbursement rates. Schools benefitting from this increase serve students with diverse and complex needs who have not been able to succeed in traditional education settings. Students at these schools face circumstances such as trauma, mental health issues, substance abuse, emotional or physical disabilities, or involvement with the juvenile justice, social service or child welfare system.
“New York State is pleased to increase our support for education providers who deliver vital assistance to schools that work closely with children with special needs,” Governor Cuomo said. “Many of these schools are a lifeline to parents and communities, offering services beyond the classroom to support students who are faced with a special set of challenges. This increase is a vital boost to special education providers and recognizes the important role these schools play for New York’s children.”
Providers that will benefit from this tuition increase include:
- 853 Schools operated by private agencies and provide day and/or residential programs for students with disabilities.
- There are currently more than 120 such schools in NYS which together serve thousands of students.
- Special Act School Districts, providing education services to students who reside in child care institutions.
Many of the students in these schools are placed there as the last option in the continuum of services. The schools provide an array of supports needed beyond education services.
