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Policy Resources

AFC works to change education policy so that the public school system serves all children effectively. We publish policy reports and data analyses, testify at the City and State levels, speak out in the press to bring attention to the challenges facing the students and families we serve, and join with other advocates, parents, youth, and educators to call for change.

More than 115 Organizations Call for Changes to New York State’s School Funding Formula
  • Sign-On Letter

    • More than 115 Organizations Call for Changes to New York State’s School Funding Formula

    Every child in New York State has the right to a sound, basic education—and providing such an education requires adequate and equitable funding. More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those who have the greatest needs.
    Desks facing a chalkboard in an empty classroom. (Photo by maroke, Adobe Stock)

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    Falling Short: NYC’s Failure to Provide Mandated Services for Preschoolers with Disabilities
    A female occupational therapist works with a young boy, using play-doh to work on the boy's gross motor skills. (Photo by FatCamera, iStock)
  • Issue Brief
    • Falling Short: NYC’s Failure to Provide Mandated Services for Preschoolers with Disabilities

    This June 2023 data analysis shows that 37% of all preschoolers with disabilities—a total 9,800 children—went the entire 2021–22 school year without receiving at least one of the types of services the DOE was legally required to provide, a systemic violation of students’ rights. The report analyzes DOE data, which likely significantly understate the magnitude of the problem, and makes recommendations for needed changes moving forward.

    Jun 6, 2023

    AFC Testifies on the New York City Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget – General Welfare
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the New York City Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget – General Welfare

    AFC testified before New York City Council Committee on General Welfare regarding the need to extend funding for Promise NYC, a crucial initiative that increases access to early childhood programs for children who are undocumented. Without action by the City, funding for this initiative will expire in June, leaving hundreds of children at risk of being turned away from their program.

    Mar 13, 2023

    AFC Testifies on the 2023–2024 State Health Budget Proposal
    New York State capitol building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the 2023–2024 State Health Budget Proposal

    AFC testified before the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2023–2024 Executive Budget Health Proposal regarding the need for a rate increase for Early Intervention (EI) in the 2023–2024 budget. The Executive Budget proposal does not include any increase or cost-of-living adjustment for EI providers, whose rates today are lower than they were 20 years ago or take any other steps to help address the State’s systemic failure to provide young children with timely access to their legally mandated EI services.

    Feb 28, 2023

    AFC Testifies on Access to Early Childhood Education Programs
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on Access to Early Childhood Education Programs

    AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education on access to early childhood education programs, including for children with disabilities, children in temporary housing, and children who are undocumented. The City is currently relying on $88 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus funding this year to fund preschool special education initiatives—funding that will be expiring in the fall of 2024 and needs to be sustained.

    Feb 15, 2023

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