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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This fact sheet explains diploma and non-diploma options for students with disabilities in New York State.
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.
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.
This guide helps families of students with disabilities prepare for life after high school, explaining educational rights, IEP advocacy tips, and resources for college, career, and social services.
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.
This fact sheet 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 form allows a parent to designate another adult to make educational decisions for their child for up to one year.
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.