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.
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Suggested questions to ask your child’s teachers about how well they’re learning to read and write.
This tip sheet covers how to arrange and troubleshoot transportation services to school, including who is eligible for busing, accommodations, and what to do if there are problems.
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 if the school assigned says they cannot serve the child’s needs.
This fact sheet explains the right of parents who do not speak English to free translation and interpretation services in order to participate in their children’s education.
Special education should not be a bar to admission or participation in a gifted and talented program. A student can have special education needs and be gifted and talented at the same time. This guide has been written to help you work your way through the system if that’s the case for your child.
This fact sheet provides an outline of the annual standardized state tests that are administered to New York City students and explains the specific testing accommodations made for ELLs.
A guide to public education programs for 3 and 4-year-olds for the 2026-27 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 fact sheet explains how to enroll in a NYC public school and answers questions immigrant families may have about enrollment.
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.
A list of school resources specifically for students in temporary housing in NYC.
A new school year has started!