Chair of the New York Senate Education Committee, Senator Shelley Mayer, wrote an opinion piece published in Lohud, on the importance of expanding CCAP in NYS, in order to better support New York State’s working families and child care workforce. Increased reliance on child care assistance since its recent expansions came into effect, show that … Continue reading We can expand access to affordable child care in New York. Let’s do it. | Opinion
A Legal Battle Over Trump’s Threats to Public School Funding Has Begun
The Trump administration is facing lawsuits from states, teachers’ unions, and civil rights groups over its attempt to cut federal education funding unless states abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 schools. Opponents argue the administration is misapplying a Supreme Court decision on affirmative action to public schools and overstepping federal authority in … Continue reading A Legal Battle Over Trump’s Threats to Public School Funding Has Begun
NYC Mayor Adams planning to reverse proposed cuts to 3-K, early childhood education
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is proposing to baseline $167 million in annual funding to maintain current levels of 3-K and preschool special education, signaling a retreat from previous plans to cut funds for child care programs. While the move aims to stabilize early education and safeguard Head Start sites amid uncertain federal funding, advocates note … Continue reading NYC Mayor Adams planning to reverse proposed cuts to 3-K, early childhood education
Adams to add funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats to budget plan
Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to include $167 million in his executive budget to restore and baseline funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats, while also pledging to maintain Head Start programs regardless of potential federal cuts. Advocates say the move is a step forward but stress that more funding is needed, as … Continue reading Adams to add funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats to budget plan
North Country regents to NY schools: Don’t change your lesson plan (Guest Opinion)
Recent federal executive orders attempt to undermine public education by targeting civil rights protections, inclusive curricula, and support for marginalized students. In response, educators are urged to stand firm and uphold state laws and values – joined by leaders like the Commissioner of Education, the Attorney General, and the Board of Regents – who are … Continue reading North Country regents to NY schools: Don’t change your lesson plan (Guest Opinion)
Ensuring Adequate Funding for Childcare
A new report from the Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) warns that without immediate additional funding, New York State’s expanded Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) could face major setbacks, with tens of thousands of families – particularly in New York City – at risk of being placed on waitlists. The report notes that while eligibility has … Continue reading Ensuring Adequate Funding for Childcare
Proposed New York Budget Fails To Address State’s Looming Child Care ‘Crisis,’ Advocates Say
New York’s proposed state budget falls short of meeting the urgent demand for child care funding, which has prompted warnings from advocates and lawmakers that thousands of families could lose access to critical support, forcing parents out of work and threatening small providers with closure. Despite previous expansions, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is … Continue reading Proposed New York Budget Fails To Address State’s Looming Child Care ‘Crisis,’ Advocates Say
Governor Hochul must do right by working families and invest in child care now
Advocates are calling on New York lawmakers to invest no less than $500 million in the Child Care Assistance Program and at least another $500 million to create a permanent fund for early childhood educator pay. Without urgent action, thousands of families could lose access to child care within weeks, and the ongoing staffing crisis … Continue reading Governor Hochul must do right by working families and invest in child care now
Governor’s Last-Minute Political Budget Maneuvering Comes at Expense of Children and Families
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 8, 2025) – In response to reports that Governor Hochul has proposed a changing elections requirements so that candidates for governors and lieutenant governors must run on the same ticket in the primary, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement: “As New York grapples with a … Continue reading Governor’s Last-Minute Political Budget Maneuvering Comes at Expense of Children and Families
The big deal facing charter schools
The Supreme Court will soon hear a case about whether a proposed Catholic charter school in Oklahoma can legally operate as a religious institution, raising major questions about the separation of church and state. Charter advocates fear the case might redefine charters as private schools, potentially threatening their public funding—but those of us supporting truly … Continue reading The big deal facing charter schools