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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 More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those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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    Delayed Interventions: Early Indicators of the Pandemic’s Impact on Infants and Toddlers
    A toddler sits on the floor with legos and blocks. (Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels)
  • Policy Report
    • Delayed Interventions: Early Indicators of the Pandemic’s Impact on Infants and Toddlers

    This January 2021 data brief examines the steep decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in the number of infants and toddlers referred to the New York City Early Intervention (EI) program to address concerns about their development. As a result of the drop in referrals, thousands of young children with developmental delays or disabilities missed the chance for intervention at the time it is most effective.

    Jan 15, 2021

    AFC Testifies on the 2020–2021 State Education Budget Proposal
    New York State capitol building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the 2020–2021 State Education Budget Proposal

    AFC testified at the New York State Joint Legislative Hearing on the 2020–2021 Elementary and Secondary Education Budget proposal, urging legislators to fully fund Foundation Aid; increase investments in targeted areas such as preschool special education programs, support for Multilingual Learners, and positive approaches to discipline; and reject the harmful special education waiver proposal.

    Feb 11, 2020

    Waiting for a Seat: The Shortage of Preschool Special Education Class Seats in New York City
    Preschool girl drawing at a table in a classroom. (Image by krakenimages.com on Freepik)
  • Policy Report
    • Waiting for a Seat: The Shortage of Preschool Special Education Class Seats in New York City

    As a result of years of under-investment by the State in preschool special education programs, New York is falling far short of providing all children with the preschool special education classes they need and have a legal right to receive. This policy brief shows a projected shortfall of more than 1,000 preschool special education class seats for New York City children with disabilities for spring 2020.

    Jan 30, 2020

    Early Inequities: How Underfunding Early Intervention Leaves Low-Income Children of Color Behind
    Toddler playing with educational toys.
  • Policy Report
    • Early Inequities: How Underfunding Early Intervention Leaves Low-Income Children of Color Behind

    This December 2019 report, published in partnership with Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC), shows that State disinvestment in New York’s Early Intervention program has caused major racial and socio-economic disparities in access to services. The report shows that children under the age of three with developmental delays or disabilities are less likely to receive critical services that could help them reach their full potential if they live in low-income neighborhoods of color, and makes a number of recommendations to New York City and New York State in order to increase access to Early Intervention services.

    Dec 4, 2019

    Hundreds of Preschoolers with Disabilities Waiting for Preschool Special Education Classes in New York
    Preschool girl sits at a small table, writing on a piece of paper, a look of concentration on her face. (Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels)
  • Press Statement
  • Sign-On Letter
    • Hundreds of Preschoolers with Disabilities Waiting for Preschool Special Education Classes in New York

    Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s announcement that the State is approving only a two percent increase in rates for preschool special education programs for the 2019-2020 school year.

    Jun 11, 2019

    AFC Testifies on the New York City Fiscal Year 2020 Preliminary Education Budget
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the New York City Fiscal Year 2020 Preliminary Education Budget

    AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education on the importance of increasing funding for several education priorities, including school social workers, direct mental health support for students, educational support for students who are homeless and students in foster care, and preschool special education programs.

    Mar 20, 2019

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