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Early-intervention advocates applaud $5.72M IOP increment to expand eligibility, say it will reach many more children
Summary
The Infant Learning Program (IOP) received support at public testimony for a $5,720,000 increment that would lower eligibility thresholds and bring tens of percent more children into services, advocates said.
Advocates for early childhood intervention urged the House Finance Committee to support a $5,720,000 increment for Alaska—s Infant Learning Program that would expand eligibility and reach more children with developmental delays.
Amy Simpson, executive director for Programs for Infants and Children in Anchorage, said the increment would allow the IOP to reduce its eligibility threshold from a 50% developmental delay to a 25% delay and that the change could increase program eligibility by an estimated 77%.
"Last year, providers had to tell more than 100 parents that their kids had a significant delay but were not yet significant enough to be eligible," Simpson said. She and others noted Alaska currently uses one of the most restrictive eligibility criteria in the nation, and earlier intervention often prevents later special-education costs.
Simpson also cited research-based estimates presented to the committee that early intervention can reduce longer-term special-education costs; she testified the change could save the state an estimated $34 million annually in future special-education expenditures.
The Alaska Early Childhood Advocacy Group and other witnesses asked the committee to protect reoccurring childcare grants and support recruitment and retention of early educators alongside the IOP increment. Testimony was recorded as part of House operating budget (HB 53) hearings.
