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 are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing?

In 2010, 3.9% of Cayuga preschoolers and 4.6% of Seneca preschoolers were receiving special education services. These rates were below the state (excluding NYC) rate of 6.1% and below the rates of the comparison counties, which ranged from 6.1% in Ontario to 7.5% in Onondaga and Wayne. County and state rates have been declining since 2007, and Cayuga and Seneca counties’ rates have nearly fallen back to the rates of 2000.

Notes about the data

None.