Union representing Department of Developmental Services (DDS) education professionals applauds Governor Rell's decision to resume services and urges her to honor commitment to early education

HARTFORD—Special education teachers with more than 600 years of combined experience who provide services to children with developmental delays from birth to three are encouraged by Governor M. Jodi Rell's move to re-open admissions to Early Connections, and express hope that she will honor her commitment to this renowned program with appropriate staffing levels. The state-operated service is the primary source of intervention and care for infants and toddlers with special needs, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in local communities across Connecticut. The program recently experienced a significant loss in certified teachers as a result of the Retirement Incentive Program.

"Early Connections is nationally acclaimed and well-received by the families that we provide services for" Bob Rinker, the Executive Director of CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, wrote to Governor Rell's Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in August to urge resumption of referrals. Earlier in the year, admissions were halted during discussions between the unions in the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) and the Administration. "To continue to close referrals is a disservice to the families with children with developmental issues" he wrote.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) re-opened admissions to Early Connections in late August, reaffirming its role as a primary source of early education services for children with developmental delays, including Autism. But as a result of the cost savings agreement negotiated in May between public service workers and Governor Rell, nearly a third of DDS' school teachers have since retired, and many of those in Early Connections are veteran educators with twenty or more years of service.

"We are pleased that Early Connections is seeing new admissions again. But at the same time, it is vitally important to make the investment needed to maintain these services," said Patrice Peterson, a teacher with over thirty years of service with DDS. "Early Connections is a huge help to local kindergarten to twelfth-grade districts around the state. By ensuring that children come to school ready to learn, our teachers help to close the achievement gap and propel kids into an educational environment."

Members of the Union are urging DDS to ensure that Early Connections is made a high priority now that the Governor has called for resumption of admissions. Without the services it provides, local school districts will bear a heavy financial burden when children with developmental delays or Autism who could not access quality early intervention are enrolled.

CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 represents 25,000 active and retired public sector workers serving in state and municipal agencies, as well as local school districts across Connecticut. Visit www.seiu2001.org online for more information about how its members are working to deliver early education services and provide quality care for children with special needs in communities across our state.