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We can expand access to affordable child care in New York. Let’s do it. | Opinion

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)

Hochul’s Delays are Politics at the Expense of Our Kids

While families across New York wait for critical funding decisions on child care, education, housing, and other essential services, Governor Hochul is holding up the state budget process to push a political maneuver that would benefit her own reelection campaign. Email Governor Hochul and the Legislature now telling them New Yorkers are waiting on them … Continue reading Hochul’s Delays are Politics at the Expense of Our Kids

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

‘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