Colorado is facing a significant budget deficit of $1.2 billion, leading to drastic cuts in the Early Intervention (EI) program for children with developmental delays or disabilities. This decision has left many families and service providers across the state in a difficult position.

The EI program, which offers developmental services to families with children from birth to the age of three, is crucial for early childhood development. Families can either self-refer for an evaluation or be referred by a physician to determine eligibility. Once eligible, families receive an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), a legal document outlining the type and frequency of services provided.

Katelyn Knox, an occupational therapist in Fort Collins, has been working with the EI program since 2016. She serves families with a wide range of needs, including children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental delays. “Without these services, children might go into preschool without knowing how to communicate or eat properly,” said Knox. “It’s devastating to think we might have to abandon patients.”

The recent memo from the Department of Early Childhood announced that funding for the EI program would be cut, limiting services to no more than four hours per month. This change will significantly impact families who rely on more extensive services, particularly those with children who have autism. Additionally, families who rely on Medicaid will only be able to access services billable to Medicaid, excluding support for vision, mental health, and other critical areas.

Nicole Booker, a developmental interventionist, expressed her concerns about the impact of these cuts. “Families will have to choose between essential services like learning to walk or communicate,” she said. “We’re leaving families in really difficult positions.”

The cuts will also affect service providers financially. Booker, who has 40 children on her caseload, will have to reduce her workload, impacting her income. “I need to reduce my workload in like five days, and that’s really going to impact my income,” she said.

The changes to the EI program are set to take effect immediately, leaving families and providers scrambling to adjust. The long-term impact of these cuts remains uncertain, but the immediate consequences are already being felt across the state.

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