NY Daily News | “We’re relieved that the [New York City Department of Education] has started submitting applications to the state,” said Randi Levine, policy director at Advocates for Children, a nonprofit that helps families navigate the preschool special education system.

“There’s still a lot of work to do to open these new classes. It’ll be important for the city and the state to work together to ensure children with disabilities have a preschool class to attend on the first day of school.”

According to figures shared with Advocates for Children as of Thursday, the city has submitted applications for a first group of eight programs, with more expected soon. Another batch has been identified, but staff are still in the process of submitting applications.

Together, Levine said those will cover more than half of the 300 seats the city estimates it will open this fall to meet the anticipated need.