Advocates for Children of New York works on behalf of children who are at greatest risk for school-based discrimination and/or academic failure due to poverty, disability, race, ethnicity, immigrant or English Language Learner status, homelessness, or involvement in the foster care or juvenile justice systems.

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Success Story

Zio

“Each school year I often wondered when will things improve?”

Read Zio’s story

Ruben

“Now I will be able to be an active contributing member of the work force!”

Read Ruben’s story

Charlene

“Charlene is thriving at her new school and has been praised for her improved behavior.”

Read Charlene’s story

Khiry

“I never would have been able to get my diploma if AFC hadn’t found me the right school. ”

Read Khiry’s story

Izzie

“Because of AFC’s efforts my family and I do see the light at the end of the tunnel...”

Read Izzie’s story

Spotlight

Turning 5
Do you have a child with special needs transitioning from preschool to kindergarten? Check out our newly updated guide to the “Turning 5” process.

2011 Annual Appeal
Thank you to everyone who supported our 2011 Annual Appeal -- our work would not be possible without your generosity! It’s never too late to make a gift to AFC and ensure that at-risk students have an advocate protecting their right to learn.

Winter Workshop Series
AFC’s Parent Training Information Center is hosting a series of free workshops this winter. Learn more.

Events
AFC’s Annual Spring Benefit
May 8, 2012 | 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
The Rubin Museum | New York City
Stay Tuned for More Details

Challenges Facing the
Child Care Community

For many low-income children, subsidized child care programs remain the only opportunity for preschool education. AFC staff attorney Randi Levine recently testified before the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Children and Families on challenges facing the child care community.  Read the full testimony here.

AFC in the News

Analysis: To Help the Kids: Educate the Educators

1.11.2012 | NBC News New York | “No one is asking parents what they think," Kim Sweet of Advocates for Children of New York told Gabe Pressman of NBC New York.  As... Read more

Advocates: New schools not always better

12.13.2011 | Insideschools.org | Advocates for Children urged the DOE to treat school communities "as real partners in developing solutions" rather than "legal hurdles... Read more

Bus union confirms strike threat but says action is not imminent

11.18.2011 | Gotham Schools | Kim Madden of Advocates for Children of New York, said the city’s contingency plans would pose new problems for poor families and children... Read more

School suspensions reach into hundreds

11.9.2011 | Riverdale Press | “Schools are under a lot of pressure these days to perform and a child who is more difficult and taking a lot of teacher time, it’s very... Read more

Struggling with special education, charter schools join together

11.8.2011 | Gotham Schools | “Historically we have seen that charter schools have not served the students with greater needs, so I think it’s great that the schools are... Read more