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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)

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.