Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Education (PDE) today highlighted life-changing Early Intervention program investments in Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2025-26 budget to increase access to services for children with disabilities or who are experiencing developmental delays. This budget includes funding to increase rates for the Infant and Toddler workforce to help expand access to supportive services.
This funding increase is a critical step in meeting the rising demand for specialized therapies and resources for children, from birth to age five, in Pennsylvania.
“Every child has developmental and educational needs that are unique to them and for those who need additional supports, the earlier children and families can be connected to services, the quicker parents can get the tools and resources available to help their children achieve their full potential,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “This year’s budget investments in Early Intervention will improve access to services for children by putting much needed funds towards supporting the program’s workforce. This investment is an example of what we can achieve for Pennsylvania’s children when we support our workforce and invest in services that work.”
The Shapiro Administration is committed to building a better Pennsylvania for all children. This year’s budget includes a total increase of $41.7 million in state funding for Early Intervention services. Specifically, $13.2 million of the increase is allocated for the Infants and Toddlers program in DHS’ budget and an additional $28.5 million for the Early Intervention program for children ages three to five in PDE’s budget. As was included in the Governor’s budget proposal, the enacted DHS budget for EI includes $10 million to increase provider rates to address key challenges in the sector including the rising need of services for families. This investment of state dollars in DHS’ budget is eligible for federal matching funds that would increase the investment in DHS’ Early Intervention rates to $22.6 million.
“A learner’s future starts well before they enter a classroom for the first time, and Early Intervention lays the groundwork to ensure that all children begin school on a level playing field with equitable opportunities to succeed,” said PDE Acting Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Increased investments in this critical early learning program help parents and caregivers empower, support, and prepare their children for a lifetime of learning, growth, and achievement.”
Early Intervention is a critical component of the early care and education system – which is why both DHS and PDE oversee Pennsylvania’s program. Early Intervention services provide coaching support, specialized therapies, and resources to families with children, from birth to age five, with developmental delays and disabilities, at no cost regardless of family income level. Access to these resources allow children to build essential skills in a critical period of brain development, leading to better long-term outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Early Intervention services improve cognitive, verbal, social, and physical development, which supports future learning, academic success, and overall well-being.
Learn more about Early Intervention services and resources including DHS’ Infants and Toddlers program and PDE’s Early Learning program for ages three to five.