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
NYC Council wants $800 million more for education than Eric Adams proposed
New York City’s Council is pushing for nearly $800 million in additional education funding to ensure students – from early childhood through college – have access to the opportunities a quality education provides. Their proposal includes restoring funding for 3-K and Pre-K, expanding child care vouchers, supporting CUNY, and sustaining K-12 programs like mental health … Continue reading NYC Council wants $800 million more for education than Eric Adams proposed
PRESS STATEMENT: New Yorkers Unite in Mass March to Send Clear Message: United, We Will Protect our Futures
NEW YORK, N.Y. (November 9, 2024) – In response to this week’s general election results and its threat to our freedoms, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Today, thousands of New Yorkers marched from Columbus Circle to Bryant Park, sending a powerful message: We stand united to protect each … Continue reading PRESS STATEMENT: New Yorkers Unite in Mass March to Send Clear Message: United, We Will Protect our Futures
Advocates release priorities to overhaul New York school aid formula
Over 100 advocacy groups, including AQE, are calling for updates to New York’s school funding formula, highlighting the need for additional support for unhoused students, preschoolers, and reduced class sizes. The coalition argues that the current formula, which hasn’t been revised in over 15 years, fails to account for rising costs and the evolving educational … Continue reading Advocates release priorities to overhaul New York school aid formula
Advocates Call Out Chancellor Banks’ Dismissal of Class Size Benefits
New York City, N.Y. (July 18, 2024) — In response to Chancellor David Banks’ remarks this past week on Class Size Law and Foundation Aid, education justice organizations, Alliance for Quality Education and the Education Law Center, released the following statement in response: “As reported by the New York Post, on the same day Chancellor … Continue reading Advocates Call Out Chancellor Banks’ Dismissal of Class Size Benefits
Presumptive Eligibility Bill Waits on Governor Hochul
There is another critical piece of legislation that would help break down barriers to child care assistance for families, currently awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature. The presumptive eligibility bill will allow families to access child care assistance while they await processing of their applications. For many families, this would help prevent parents from missing out on job … Continue reading Presumptive Eligibility Bill Waits on Governor Hochul
AQE Responds to College Protests on Genocide in Gaza
NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 6, 2024) — Public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement on the protests happening at college campuses across the country in response to the genocide in Gaza: “We at AQE believe in, and exercise, our right to protest, and believe that students have this right. … Continue reading AQE Responds to College Protests on Genocide in Gaza
A $30,000 Question: Who Will Get a Free Preschool Seat in New York City?
After Mayor Eric Adams made cuts to free preschool for 3-year-olds, families faced more uncertainty and the possibility of larger child care bills. This change has sparked a competition to secure seats, causing a great deal of worry for lower- and middle-income families. Read the full article.
With Pandemic Money Gone, Child Care Is an Industry on the Brink
Five months after the expiration of federal funds, running a child care business is more precarious than ever, and many parents struggle to pay tuition, surveys show. Read the full article.
NYSUT and partners launch One-in-Five campaign to combat cycle of childhood poverty
The One-in-Five coalition, consisting of NYSUT and a coalition of stakeholders, is advocating for legislative measures to address childhood poverty in the state, including the Working Families Tax Credit, Mothers and Lasting Change, support for Medicaid services in schools, affordable housing, universal school meals, and $100 million in categorical funding for community schools. AQE’s Marina … Continue reading NYSUT and partners launch One-in-Five campaign to combat cycle of childhood poverty