What does this measure?

The number of children ages 3 to 5 with disabilities receiving special education services on December 1 of the year, as authorized by a school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education, expressed as a percentage of all 3- to 5-year-olds.

Why is this important?

Preschool special education services can improve children’s cognitive performance, reduce the need for special education services in grades K-12, and improve the likelihood of success in school.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

In 2007, 6.3% of preschoolers ages 3 to 5 in the Greater Capital Region received special education services. This rate has fallen slightly in recent years after peaking at 6.7% in 2004. The region’s rate has consistently been about one percentage point higher that the state rate. Rensselaer and Saratoga counties had the highest rate of preschoolers receiving special education in 2007, both at 7.0%.

Notes about the data

Rates may vary due to different standards applied by the various Committees on Preschool Special Education. Parents’ roles, particularly the extent to which a parent advocates for his or her child to receive services, and the district’s responsiveness to parents may also impact rates. It is impossible from the data alone to determine to what extent the numbers of children with special needs, parental demand for services, and the availability of services are driving trends. CGR estimated the number of children 3 to 5 using Census 2000 data and annual population estimates.