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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.

Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration
  • Policy Agenda

    • Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration

    Based on our experience helping thousands of NYC families each year, we urge the next Mayor to take on big challenges with bold ideas and stand firm in the face of threats to students’ civil rights.
    Closeup of student holding a pencil in class

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    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
  • 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

    Not Yet for All: How the Next Administration Can Make Preschool Truly Universal
    Midsection of a young girl playing with educational toys. (Photo by Yan Krukau from Pexels)
  • Policy Report
    • Not Yet for All: How the Next Administration Can Make Preschool Truly Universal

    This January 2022 data brief found that preschool students with disabilities are being underserved by 3-K and Pre-K for All and are being denied access to special education programs and services to which they have a legal right—with disparities based on race, school district, housing status, and language of instruction.

    Jan 20, 2022

    AFC Joins 100+ Organizations to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign A.8013 / S.6515-A
    New York State capitol building
  • Sign-On Letter
    • AFC Joins 100+ Organizations to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign A.8013 / S.6515-A

    AFC joined more than 100 organizations in sending a letter urging Governor Hochul to sign into law A.8013 (Benedetto) / S.6516-A (Mannion), a bill passed unanimously by the Senate and Assembly to ensure that preschool special education programs, as well as state-approved non-public schools for school-age students with significant disabilities, receive the same increase in payment rates as school districts.

    Nov 30, 2021

    100+ Organizations Urge Governor Cuomo to Increase Funding for Preschool Special Education Programs
    Two young girls drawing in a classroom.
  • Sign-On Letter
    • 100+ Organizations Urge Governor Cuomo to Increase Funding for Preschool Special Education Programs

    AFC joined more than 100 organizations in sending a letter urging the Governor to sign into law A. 8013 (Benedetto) / S. 6516-A (Mannion), a bill passed unanimously by the Senate and Assembly to ensure that preschool special education programs, as well as state-approved non-public schools for school-age students with significant disabilities, receive the same increase in payment rates as school districts.

    Aug 9, 2021

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