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.
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AFC submitted comments to the New York City Board of Health on proposed regulations regarding child care, with a focus on children who are homeless and children with developmental delays or disabilities.
AFC testified before the City Council Committees on Education, Finance, and Land Use about the need to increase resources to make more NYC schools accessible to students, families, and staff with physical disabilities.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding the Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Budget, calling for increased funding for improving school accessibility.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding the Fiscal Year 2019 Preliminary Budget, calling for increased funding for support for students in temporary housing, busing for students in foster care, and school climate initiatives.
In March 2018, Advocates for Children and Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York jointly issued recommendations for expanding support for students experiencing homelessness, and sixteen leading child advocacy, education, and housing organizations sent a letter to Mayor de Blasio urging him to include a significant infusion of resources in the budget to support these students.
AFC presented this white paper at the 2018 national conference of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). It discusses approaches that work to positively support students, improve school climate, and reduce suspensions, referrals to law enforcement, and inappropriate removals to the psychiatric emergency room. The paper also discusses strategies to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline and the disparate impact on students with disabilities and students of color, including working collaboratively with school districts and localities, advocating to change laws, and litigation.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Juvenile Justice on the educational needs of New York City’s court-involved youth while in juvenile detention and placement, and after their release from these settings.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education at a hearing on community schools, renewal schools, and a special education reporting bill.
AFC submitted comments on the DOE’s proposed changes to Chancellor’s Regulation A-101 regarding school transfers, admissions, and enrollment.
Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the City’s Fiscal Year 2019 Preliminary Budget.