Happy New Year! In 2025, we have the chance to transform early childhood education and child care in New York, ensuring every child gets the strong start they deserve. Early care and learning are the foundations of a child’s future. Studies show that children with access to quality early education are more likely to succeed … Continue reading Let’s Make 2025 the Year We Invest in Every Child’s Future
Charter schools, driven by a neoliberal agenda that prioritizes privatization and competition, have led to instability and harm, as they often close abruptly, leaving students and educators scrambling. This agenda, which treats education as a commodity rather than a public good, diverts resources from public schools, undermining their quality and accessibility. To ensure equitable and … Continue reading Hundreds of Charter Schools Will Fail, Close, and Abandon Thousands of Families in 2025
As New York’s 2025 legislative session begins, a major topic of discussion is how to update the state’s school funding formula, which currently allocates $24.9 billion to districts, including over $9.5 billion for New York City. NeQuan McLean, president of the New York City’s District 16 Community Education Council, is raising alarms about potential cuts … Continue reading School funding, cellphone ban, class size, Trump: Education issues Albany could tackle in 2025
Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Director of the AQE, urges New York state leaders to prioritize substantial investments in child care, highlighting the need for increased funding and fair compensation for workers. Without bold action, the state risks perpetuating inequities that harm vulnerable children and families, undermining their future success. Read the full article.
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Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed two critical child care bills near the end of December 2024, despite bipartisan support in the legislature. The Decoupling Bill and the Minimum Earnings Requirement Bill were both aimed at expanding child care access for working families, especially those with unpredictable work schedules or low wages. AQE and the Empire State … Continue reading Hochul vetoes 2 child care bills, drawing advocates’ ire
NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 16, 2024) – In response to Governor Hochul’s blatant disregard for the needs of New York’s working families by vetoing the Decoupling and Ending the Minimum Earnings Requirement bills, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Governor Hochul clearly showed that she is no child care … Continue reading Child Care Bill Vetoes Show Governor’s Words Are Empty
Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation to expand resources for parents in New York, including requirements for diaper ingredient labeling, improved access to child care funding (the Presumptive Eligibility bill, with amendments), and insurance coverage for dyslexia exams. The laws aim to address costs and provide additional support for new parents. Read the full article.
NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 9, 2024) – In response to the New York State Board of Regents’ recommendation to increase Foundation Aid funding by $1.6 billion for the upcoming school year, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “We commend the New York State Board of Regents under the leadership … Continue reading In Support of the New York State Board of Regents’ Proposal to Increase Foundation Aid Funding by $1.6 Billion
