NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 5, 2026) — In response to New York City’s announcement that it will move 10,000 children ages 6 weeks to 13 years off the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) waitlist, public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Today’s announcement is a major step toward getting more … Continue reading NYC Tackling Child Care Waitlists Will Bring Relief to Families, Momentum for Universal Child Care Statewide
Funding public schools for the students they serve
In 2026, with all of you, AQE helped win a stronger school aid increase than the Governor initially proposed. We also helped win updates to the school funding formula so districts receive more funding to support students who are experiencing homelessness or are in foster care, along with more funding for English Language Learners. These … Continue reading Funding public schools for the students they serve
AQE Responds to Plans for Humanoid Robot at Salamanca High School
ALBANY, N.Y. (July 16, 2026) — The public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education responded to reports that Salamanca High School, located on the Seneca Nation, will begin using a humanoid robot as a teaching assistant in classrooms this fall: “We want our children prepared for the future, including a strong foundation in STEAM … Continue reading AQE Responds to Plans for Humanoid Robot at Salamanca High School
A more caring New York starts in community!
Summer is here, and we’re taking time to look back at what students, their families, the child care workforce, and advocates accomplished together this year. We’re beginning this moment of reflection with child care because it sits at the heart of so much of our work today. Child care gives young children essential early learning … Continue reading A more caring New York starts in community!
Without Investment in the Workforce, Final Budget Loses Momentum on Universal Child Care
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 27, 2026) — In response to the agreement announced on the New York State FY2027 budget, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement from Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors: “Governor Hochul began this year with a bold promise to millions of New Yorkers — … Continue reading Without Investment in the Workforce, Final Budget Loses Momentum on Universal Child Care
State Education Budget Makes Progress on Equity, With More Work Ahead
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 22, 2026) — In response to the agreement announced on the New York State FY2027 budget, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement from Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors: “We are encouraged that the enacted budget not only includes funding for public education beyond … Continue reading State Education Budget Makes Progress on Equity, With More Work Ahead
AQE Condemns Passage of Bills Restricting First Amendment Rights
In response to New York City Council passing Intros 1-B and 175-B, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement: “We are furious and deeply disappointed that the members of the New York City Council voted to pass the ‘no free speech buffer zone’ bills, knowing this legislation expands police … Continue reading AQE Condemns Passage of Bills Restricting First Amendment Rights
One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 10, 2026) — Public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement in response to the Senate and Assembly budget proposals: “The Senate and Assembly budget proposals both include priorities that must be reflected in the final enacted budget. Working families across New York are facing deep and growing … Continue reading One House Proposals Acknowledge Need to Raise Taxes, Invest in Child Care Workforce
Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement
New York, NY (January 8, 2026) – Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education, issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani’s announcement of a plan to implement universal child care in New York. “This proposal is an enormous and welcome first step toward building a truly universal, … Continue reading Statement on Governor Hochul’s Historic Universal Child Care Announcement
Six Things Child Care Organizers Want You to Know
After a turbulent year of funding gaps and policy fights, child care organizers nationwide share what’s at stake heading into 2026. Read the article.