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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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.
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.
If your child’s behavior at school is affecting their learning, or the learning of other students, a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) may help manage the behavior. This fact sheet provides information about who might benefit from FBAs and BIP; when an FBA and BIP should and must be done; and covers the rights of students with disabilities to get an FBA and BIP.
Covers the diagnosis of autism; Early Intervention services, preschool special education, and school-age special education for children with autism; instructional practices and additional support services; tips for parents and information on support groups and additional resources.
If your child is not receiving the proper special education services, you have due process rights, including the right to request an impartial hearing. This guide explains how to request and prepare for an impartial hearing in easy-to-understand language.
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.
Timeline of the referral, evaluation, and recommendation process. Includes information on the rights of parents throughout the process.
This guide explains how you can help your preschool child receive services to address a developmental delay or disability. Read about the services available, step-by-step instructions for requesting services, and your rights.
This fact sheet outlines related services (such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy) for preschool students. It includes the process for assigning related services providers and how to resolve problems with related services.