Advocates for Children of New York has a singular vision: an equitable and inclusive school system where all students receive the education they need to maximize their potential as adults.
We fight for families
For more than 50 years, we have fought beside NYC families from under-resourced communities through a unique combination of services, all focused on protecting education rights and eliminating barriers to success so all students can thrive.
"Last year, she didn’t want to go to school and used to ask me all the time if she could stay home. That never happens now. She’s excited to go every day."
Now that she is in an appropriate program that can meet her needs, Mia loves preschool, has made enormous progress, and is no longer getting in trouble.
Yshamar has never given up, and the results of his efforts have been amazing. He has made enormous strides in reading and writing, graduated with a Regents diploma in June 2017, and is headed to community college!
Tell City Leaders: Preschool Special Education Services Are Not Optional
As of March 2025, more than 7,900 preschoolers were waiting for at least one of their legally mandated services, like speech therapy or counseling, to begin. Tell city leaders to add at least $70 million in the FY 2026 budget to give preschoolers with disabilities the evaluations, services, and classes they need.
