As the Commonwealth reaches the four-month mark without a budget, service organizations and school districts across the state are forced to continue providing services to the most vulnerable populations without funding. This impasse is not simply a political inconvenience; it is a threat to the critical services our community depends on.
Every year, Easterseals provides critical early intervention services to over 4,000 children with disabilities or developmental delays, and their families. Research has proven that the first five years of a child’s life are the most critical as they can have the most profound impact. The work we do today not only gives children the foundational skills necessary to be successful in school and beyond, but it has also proven to reduce the need for services later and the costs associated with those services. It is estimated that every $1 spent on early intervention saves $7 in future costs.
The science behind early intervention is unequivocal. During these crucial early years, children’s brains develop at an unprecedented rate, forming neural connections that will serve them throughout their lives. When children with developmental delays receive timely, targeted interventions, they can develop and strengthen the skills that allow them to maximize their potential. Speech therapy helps children communicate effectively. Occupational therapy develops fine motor skills essential for writing and self-care. Physical therapy builds strength and coordination. These services don’t just improve individual outcomes — they strengthen families and communities.
Early intervention services, like those provided by Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania, are often a lifeline for families. Access to high-quality support can be life-changing for parents raising a child with a disability or developmental delay. Families are often overwhelmed by the complexity of their child’s needs, and most daycare and preschool settings are unable to appropriately support children with disabilities.
No organization should have to choose between financial viability and mission fulfillment because of government inaction.
Early intervention programs, including special instruction, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, provide targeted services at the most critical stages of development, when children can benefit most. Programs like Easterseals not only meet these essential needs but also give parents the chance for respite and the ability to work and sustain their households. When services are interrupted, the impact extends far beyond the child. Entire families and the broader community feel the consequences.
As Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s CEO, with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, I understand that navigating financial challenges is part of the job. We prepare, plan, and take a strategic approach to navigating those challenges to ensure continuity of quality, life-changing services. But there are limits to what we can do.
We have successfully navigated without state funding since July. We are utilizing the resources available to us to maintain staff and continue to provide services to children and families in the community and in our centers. However, we do not have unlimited resources.
No organization should have to choose between financial viability and mission fulfillment because of government inaction. This is not about partisan politics: This is about basic governance and our collective responsibility to the citizens we serve. Pennsylvania’s leaders must act immediately to pass a budget that fully funds early intervention services. Children’s development can’t wait for political compromise.
This is about our community, our values, and our future. The children we serve today will be tomorrow’s students, workers, and leaders. When we invest in them now, we invest in Pennsylvania’s prosperity and competitiveness for decades to come. When we fail them, we all pay the price.
I encourage everyone to reach out to their representatives and let them know that these delays harm children, families and communities.
Tim Kerrihard is the CEO of Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
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