IU Ownership of Instructional Facilities

The Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU), representing 29 regional educational service agencies, urges support to amend the Pennsylvania School Code to allow intermediate units (IUs) to own instructional facilities. This change in School Code provides needed flexibility at the local level to better serve children’s educational needs. IUs can lease, but cannot own, spaces for instructional purposes. This often leads to higher costs and less optimal environments, particularly for early childhood and special education.

Policy Requests

PAIU supports HB 201, which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan sponsorship and support and has been referred to the Senate Education Committee.

PAIU is also supportive of a new bill in the Senate, SB 433, which was recently introduced with bipartisan co-sponsorship. This is a fiscally responsible reform that will enhance IUs' ability to serve students and improve educational outcomes.

Early Childhood Education

Intermediate Units (IUs) are uniquely positioned to support early learners by offering essential and cost-effective ECE programs in partnership with school districts, community providers, and families. Most IUs provide Early Intervention (EI) services for children identified with special needs (ages 3-5). Additionally, numerous IUs run Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs. However, increased student needs, workforce shortages, funding disparities, and accessibility barriers remain significant challenges. Addressing these issues is critical to closing opportunity gaps and ensuring all children are prepared to begin kindergarten.

Every child deserves a strong start. By investing in early learning, Pennsylvania builds a brighter future for its children, workforce, and economy.

Policy Requests

Ensure Stability and Predictability in Funding:

• Develop a predictable funding model for Preschool Early Intervention so providers are able to properly plan, allocate resources, and focus on student services.

Enhance Accessibility and Collaboration:

• Remove regulatory barriers that limit IU flexibility..
• Support IU partnerships with school districts and private providers to expand ECE services in underserved areas.
• Increase funding for family outreach programs that empower parents as active partners in their child’s education.

Support the ECE Workforce to Attract and Retain Professionals:

• Fund initiatives for competitive salaries, benefits, and career pathways.
• Expand workforce development grants to include preschool special education programs.

Special Education

Intermediate Units (IUs) provide critical support for students with disabilities, offering specialized programs, professional development, and technical assistance. Equitable funding and updated policies are essential to meet the diverse needs of these students. IUs partner with schools to offer a continuum of services to children, from assisting school staff in the sending school to offering specialized classrooms and programs for students with the highest needs.

Equipping schools and IUs to meet the needs of students with disabilities ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Policy Requests

Bolster Workforce Recruitment and Retention:

• Fund loan forgiveness programs, tuition assistance, and professional development pathways for special education personnel.
• Prioritize competitive compensation packages to attract and retain therapists and other licensed professionals.

Streamline Interagency Collaboration:

• Enhance coordination between state and federally funded agencies to ensure seamless access to critical services for students with complex needs.
• Eliminate policy barriers and improve access to behavioral, medical, and educational supports.