Aren’t hearings just a way for providers to make more money? Why can’t all children get services directly from DOE providers or at standard rates?

Hearings exist because the DOE consistently fails to deliver services that students are legally entitled to.
Many families resort to private providers only after waiting months or years for DOE to provide services. 

 These hearings aren’t intended to enrich providers — they ensure children actually receive speech, OT, PT, SETSS, or other essential services.