We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the New York City Department of Education. Parents can spend an enormous amount of time researching different programs or simply trying to understand their child’s school-related rights.
AFC’s free know-your-rights guides, tip sheets, and other resources can help you advocate successfully for your child.
106 Results Found
This guide is for families of NYC students who need more help learning to read. It provides an overview of reading instruction and what’s changing with NYC Reads; answers common questions about dyslexia; and explains how to get help if your child is struggling.
This fact sheet for families of students with disabilities covers issues that typically come up at the start of the school year, such as what to do if a child does not yet have a school assignment or the school assigned says they cannot serve the child’s needs.
This tip sheet describes the educational rights, resources, and supports for students in temporary housing.
This is a guide for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) students and allies in New York City Public Schools. It lays out LGBTQ+ students’ rights and explains what to do if these rights are violated.
Detailed guide to the special education system in NYC and the rights of parents and students. Explains the process of referral, evaluation, IEP development, and placement, including information on non-public schools and due process rights.
A guide to public education programs for 3 and 4-year-olds for the 2025-26 school year. This guide provides information on free/low-cost early childhood programs in New York City, including Pre-K, 3-K, Infant & Toddler programs, and Head Start, and how to find and apply to those programs.
This guide explains the kindergarten admissions process and answers frequently asked questions. Includes information for families of students with disabilities, ELLs, and students in temporary housing.
New York State students with severe cognitive disabilities may take a different statewide exam than their peers, the NYSAA. This FAQ, developed in partnership with our NY Region 1 Parent Training & Information Center (PTIC) Collaborative partners, answers questions about the test, including who is eligible, how to know whether your child is assessed using alternate or standard assessments, how the NYSAA impacts diploma options, and more.
A quick overview of the two processes that families of children with disabilities participate in as part of the transition to kindergarten: 1) applying to kindergarten and 2) creating the kindergarten Individualized Education Program (“IEP”).
This guide provides an overview of the kindergarten placement process for students who need school-aged special education services, including more detailed information on eligibility, referral, evaluations, Turning 5 IEP meeting, kindergarten placements, and what to do if a placement is inappropriate.
Tomorrow is the first day of school!