I support education funding legislation that meets the needs of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, their families, and the educators who work on their behalf. Let Congress know that you do too at exceptionalchildren.org/takeaction. #SELS2023

Infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities deserve access to high-quality education, early intervention, and appropriate supports. I’m excited to participate in #SELS2023 and tell my Members of Congress why I’m #4SpecialEducation!

This week, I’m joining more than 200 special educators at #SELS2023 to advocate #4SpecialEducation funding, mental health, and special education personnel shortages with my Members of Congress. Join me at exceptionalchildren.org/takeaction.

Developing positive school climates is critical for the mental health of ALL students. We need policy and funding to support our children and teachers. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Students and staff continue to face the trauma of the pandemic and heightened concerns related to school safety. Targeted Federal investments are necessary to improving mental health in general. Good mental health is critical to academic achievement! #4SpecialEducation #SELS2023

Children & youth with exceptionalities are particularly susceptible to experiencing trauma that negatively impacts learning. We can change this with improved access to mental health #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

[TAG YOUR SENATORS] placing mental health professionals in schools is the way to address the child and youth mental health crisis and meet kids where they are.  #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Schools and early intervention programs rely on state and local government for most of their funding. That's why a federal investment in education is critical to avoid significant budget cuts to programs pertinent to individuals with disabilities. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Education only accounts for 2% of all federal spending, yet it is often the first area targeted for cuts. We are educating the future. What deserves investment more than our nation’s younger generations? #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

I support education funding legislation that matches the needs of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, their families, and the educators who work on their behalf. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

ALL children deserve access to high-quality instruction. Tell Congress to keep public funds in #PublicEducation and invest in the millions of students in our nation’s public schools. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation 

High-need schools and programs often have the highest special educator turnover rates, making it impossible to close both the quality staff & student achievement gaps. Congress can help by investing in IDEA Part D, Augustus F Hawkins Center for Excellence Program, and Teacher Quality Partnerships #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

#DidYouKnow 48 states and the District of Columbia report a shortage of special education teachers? Is [INSERT YOUR STATE NAME] on this list? #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

We must invest in a pipeline of special education personnel so students with disabilities have access to the professionals who can best support them. I urge Congress to invest in IDEA Part D personnel preparation #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

I support education funding legislation that matches the needs of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, their families, and the educators who work on their behalf. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Thank you [TAG YOUR REPRESENTATIVE or SENATOR] for all you do to advocate for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilites students with exceptionalities! We appreciate your leadership and commitment to the more than 7.5 million people who rely on special education services each day. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Thank you for meeting with us and supporting the needs of children and youth in special education, [TAG YOUR REPRESENTATIVE or SENATOR]. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

[TAG YOUR REPRESENTATIVE or SENATOR]: Your support is more important than ever. We NEED your investment in special education professionals, students, and schools. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Thank you [TAG YOUR REPRESENTATIVE or SENATOR] for taking the time to meet with us to discuss education funding, mental health, and special educator teacher shortages. #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation  

As schools look ahead to the new year and early intervention services continue, children and staff face ongoing mental health challenges. This requires an additional federal investment to hire school-based mental health professionals, train staff, collaborate with community mental health services, and more. Tell Congress to support targeted funds for school mental health professionals and let them know why good mental health is critical to academic achievement at exceptionalchildren.org/takeaction #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities can access educators trained to help them meet the highest possible outcomes. However, IDEA is chronically underfunded— we need YOUR help to make sure Congress supports appropriate levels of funding for the next fiscal year! Take action now by sending a message to your Member of Congress at exceptionalchildren.org/takeaction #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation

Now more than ever, we need to develop a workforce pipeline to attract diverse personnel into all areas of special education, effectively prepare them, and retain them for long-term overall impact. By underwriting the cost and addressing other barriers to completing high-quality preparation programs, policymakers can ensure special education teachers and early intervention providers are better prepared for successful, long-term careers. Visit CEC’s Legislative Action Center at exceptionalchildren.org/takeaction to tell Congress why we need to develop a multi-pronged approach to attracting, preparing, and retaining educators with comprehensive strategies, funding options, professional learning opportunities, and more! #SELS2023 #4SpecialEducation