The Dutchess County Legislature, at its Aug. 10 board meeting, unanimously passed a resolution increasing pay for preschool special education providers.
More specifically, this new local law will increase the reimbursement rate for providers of Preschool Special Education Related Services by $20 per service.
There are currently 1,497 children enrolled in PSE in Dutchess County, but according to the county legislature, there is a shortage of qualified providers and approximately 246 additional service placements are needed.
This legislation aims to improve provider recruitment and retention, reduce service waitlists and advance equitable access to Preschool Special Education services in the county, according to the resolution.
There will be annual analysis and reporting following the academic year to see whether the increased compensation is achieving the legislation’s goals.
Democrat Legislator Emma Arnoff, of LaGrange, was the lead sponsor and author of this resolution. In an email statement, she said when investments are made toward the county’s “littlest learners,” it helps to build a stronger community and gives every child the opportunity to flourish.
“As a mother of a child who received these services and as a clinician, I know both personally and professionally how important this support is. Through this resolution, Dutchess County is making it clear that our preschoolers and the professionals who help them grow and thrive are a priority,” Arnoff said.
How will this be funded? Changes to the county budget
“This investment in pre-school-age kids who are struggling won’t just change their lives; it will more than pay for itself in the long run when they reach public school and don’t need that extra support later,” Democrat Assistant Majority Leader Kristofer Munn, of Red Hook, said in a statement. “I can’t think of anything more impactful we have accomplished yet this year.”
The increase will be funded consistent with the existing cost-sharing structure — 59.9% of provider reimbursement is funded by New York State and the remaining is covered by the county.
For reference, the total adopted county budget for 2026 was $653,619,271, but some changes would be made to accommodate this new legislation.
Commissioner of Finance Shannon Decker has authorized two budget increases under “Preschool Special Education 3-5 (A.4046),” which provides administrative oversight and funding for preschool special education services for children ages 3-5.
In total, $34,535,500 was appropriated when the budget was adopted.
Now, of that $34.5 million, in implementing this local law, $526,690 will be added to the “Pre-School Special Ed 3-5 Related Services (A.4046.33.4480.89)” beyond the $5,400,000 already appropriated in the 2026 county budget.
As well, an additional $313,381 will be added to the “Handicapped Child Education Services (A.4046.33.34460.01),” which was originally appropriated $19,418,150 in this year’s budget.
There will lastly be a decrease in the General Fund, specifically under the $1,500,000 “General Contingency (A.1990.4007)” fund to be used for future needs, by $213,309.
Even though the budget will have to be adapted now, Democrat Chair Yvette Valdés Smith said in a statement, “investing in our youth will save money in the long run,” while providing “equitable access to essential services and opportunities.”
“…There have been significant challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified professionals in Dutchess because our compensation rates are not competitive with neighboring counties,” Valdés Smith continued. “The unfortunate result has been providers seeking employment elsewhere. This reimbursement increase will be subject to an annual analysis to evaluate whether it’s making a difference with provider recruitment and retention.”
What happens next?
The new compensation rate will go into effect retroactive to July 1, 2026, under New York State Education Law, but is subject to approval of the NYS Commissioner of Education.
Arnoff further explained the shortage of preschool special education providers “disproportionately affects children in high-poverty communities, creating an inequitable system in which access to critical services can depend too heavily on where a child lives,” but this resolution hopes to be a first step to address the lack of educators.
“Going forward, it will be critical that we continue to examine these inequities and take meaningful steps at both the state and local levels to ensure that our system serves all of our children — regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive the support they need to learn, grow and thrive,” Arnoff said.
Nickie Hayes is Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal. See her most recent articles here. Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Dutchess legislature approves pay increase for preschool special ed providers
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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By Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal | USA TODAY Network
