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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

‘Devastating’: Child care advocates worry about imminent funding cliff


More than 10 upstate New York counties have already shut down enrollment in child care assistance programs due to a looming $276 million funding shortfall, with more closures expected in the coming months. Despite growing demand fueled by expanded eligibility, state funding has remained largely flat, threatening access for tens of thousands of families and … Continue reading ‘Devastating’: Child care advocates worry about imminent funding cliff

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

New York Schools Refuse to Drop DEI Programs Despite Trump Administration’s Funding Threats


New York State’s refusal to comply with the Trump administration’s demand to drop DEI programs has sparked a broader debate about federal overreach, with state officials arguing the directive misinterprets civil rights law and threatens local control of education. The standoff could have serious consequences for New York City families, especially in low-income communities that … Continue reading New York Schools Refuse to Drop DEI Programs Despite Trump Administration’s Funding Threats

NYS Ed Dept. won’t sign Trump admin anti-DEI certification — risking federal funds


New York State leaders are refusing to sign a federal certification that could restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools, even if it means risking the loss of federal education funding. The move signals the state’s commitment to maintaining DEI initiatives despite pressure from the Trump administration. Read the full article.

How the Trump Administration Might Target D.E.I. in Public Schools


The Trump administration’s latest treat to withhold federal funding from public schools that use DEI initiatives signals a broader crackdown on K-12 practices like single-race affinity groups and culturally specific programming, casting them as potentially unlawful “segregation.” While the guidance is vague, it has already triggered investigations – including one in New York – and … Continue reading How the Trump Administration Might Target D.E.I. in Public Schools

Teachers Unions, State Officials Urging Families To Fight Back Against Federal Education Cuts


At a recent rally, we raised our voices in coalition against proposed federal cuts to vital programs like Title 1 and IDEA. These cuts, which threaten to underfund critical resources for lower-income students and those with disabilities, would have devastating effects on communities across the country. Such cuts would leave schools scrambling, stretching educators thin … Continue reading Teachers Unions, State Officials Urging Families To Fight Back Against Federal Education Cuts

Schools have 10 days to comply with Trump anti-DEI policy or face losing federal funds


The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to eliminate DEI in schools by requiring states and districts to certify they’ve ended such practices or risk losing billions in federal education funding, including support for Title I, special education, Head Start, and school meals. The directive is backed by a legal analysis referencing the Supreme Court’s … Continue reading Schools have 10 days to comply with Trump anti-DEI policy or face losing federal funds