DiDomenico secures $2M for Early Intervention programs

  State Senator Sal DiDomenico recently announced the adoption of his amendment (#254) to An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery. This amendment directs a $2 million reserve for vendors of Early Intervention (EI) programs, which are for children ages birth to three who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay. The services provided by such programs are meant to help support families and caregivers and to enhance the development of infants and toddlers through individualized, developmentally appropriate activities within the child and family’s everyday life. The Senate version of An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery now needs to be reconciled with a similar version passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives before it can be considered by the Governor.

  This targeted investment of $2 million helps EI programs by infusing immediate funding to address the staffing crisis and address unreimbursed costs associated with the workforce shortage. The funding will be distributed based on the number of children served by each provider, so EI programs serving more children will receive more funding for their workforce needs. In summary, this amendment will provide immediate relief to the 59 EI programs in Massachusetts by helping providers stabilize and begin rebuilding their workforce to support vital services for children and families across the Commonwealth.

  “Early Intervention has been one of my top priorities since I entered the Legislature,” said DiDomenico. “Early Intervention is a critical service the Commonwealth provides to 40,000 children statewide and over 1,000 families in my district alone. Through the four EI programs in my district, I have seen its effectiveness and the tremendous difference it has made in the lives of the children who need extra help early in their lives. It is my sincere hope this additional $2 million go a long way towards supporting our incredible EI providers and families.”

  This amendment was part of $3.82 billion bill that was unanimously passed by the Massachusetts Senate on November 10 that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to assist the Commonwealth’s ongoing recovery, with a particular focus on making equitable investments and ensuring that communities disproportionately impact by the COVID-19 pandemic are prioritized. Using this framework, the bill delivers targeted, transformational supports to critical sectors, such as health care, mental and behavioral health, housing security, environment and workforce development.