What does this measure?

The proportion of 3- to 5-year-olds receiving special education services.

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 region performing?

In 2015, 6.8% of preschoolers in the Mid-Hudson Valley region received special education services, slightly higher than the state (excluding NYC) rate of 5.9%. This was an increase of 54% from 2000. Among the counties of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Dutchess had the highest rate in 2015, at 7.4%, followed by Ulster at 6.8% and Orange at 6.4%. All three of the counties saw their rates increase by about 50% or more from 2000 through 2015.

Notes about the data

Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the third quarter.