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 testified before the City Council Committee on Education regarding our concern about the 800 preschoolers with significant disabilities who were waiting for seats in their legally mandated preschool special education classes as of June 2022.
AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) testified before the City Council Committee on Education about the serious obstacles that students with disabilities and their families continue to experience every day on the ground. Every day, Advocates for Children hears from parents struggling to get their children with disabilities the education they need.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education about the impact of school budget cuts, calling on the City to restore funding for school budgets and also continue key investments targeted to students with the greatest needs.
AFC submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights recommending changes to the federal regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
AFC submitted comments to the State Education Department supporting changes to regulations to increase the minimum number of hours of home instruction and establish a new process for requesting home instruction, as well as suggesting further changes.
Advocates for Children of New York testified before the City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Oversight and Investigations regarding our deep concerns about school budget cuts.
AFC submitted comments in response to the New York State Education Department’s proposed amendments to sections 200.1 and 200.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education relating to the disability classification “Emotional Disturbance.”
AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) testified before the City Council Committee on Finance regarding the FY 23 Executive Budget, urging the City to invest in targeted initiatives to support English Language Learners, students with disabilities, students who are homeless or in foster care, and students with mental health needs.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education regarding the educational needs of students in foster care. We are urging the City to fully staff a small DOE team focused on students in foster care and guarantee bus service so students don’t have to transfer schools when placed in foster care.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Hospitals regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 preliminary budget, urging the City to invest in a comprehensive system to ensure students have access to behavioral and mental health supports in schools.