It's not a secret that early access to educational opportunities can benefit young children as they grow and mature into adults. Similarly, it's no secret that negative educational experiences at a young age can result in academic delays, social challenges, and even trauma.

During the global Covid-19 pandemic, kids of all ages suffered academic setbacks as schools struggled to adapt to lockdown orders and in-person infection prevention protocols. Educators, parents, the public, and regulators are only beginning to understand how this public emergency period affected students at every grade level. For example, one post-pandemic report indicates that babies and preschoolers were denied equal access to early intervention and special education opportunities during the pandemic. The ramifications of these inequities are still largely unknown.

What Does the Report Say?

This study, conducted by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), performed a state-by-state analysis of access to early intervention and special education services for children aged birth to five. Specifically, researchers assessed data concerning the 2020-2021 academic year pertaining to potential inequities in access based on gender, race/ethnicity, and state.

While The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects the rights of students to access an individually-tailored public education for free, many families have to fight for this goal to become reality. The NIEER report proves that – at least during the pandemic – children living in some states received broader access to early intervention and special education services than others. For example, 10% of babies received early intervention services in Massachusetts in 2020-2021, while less than 1% of babies in Arkansas benefitted from the same access.

The NIEER report documents additional inequities concerning gender, socio-economic status, and race/ethnicity. Specifically, access issues are most pressing in states with the lowest incomes and in communities of color. Girls are also half as likely to receive services, although the extent to which biological difference plays a role in this reality remains insufficiently studied.

Personalized Assistance with Educational Access Concerns Is Available

Every child has their own needs and own learning style. For many kids, the one-size-fits-all approach just doesn't work. If your young child needs access to special education services and they aren't getting what they need from your local public school district, you may benefit from speaking with Joseph D. Lento and the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm.

Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Education Law Team can evaluate the ins and outs of your child's situation to better ensure their school takes their interests into proper consideration and protects their rights. To learn more about your options and about our firm's approach to child-focused representation, schedule a pressure-free, confidential consultation today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting our firm online. You don't need to advocate for your child unsupported. We're here to help.