Advocates for Children of New York

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.

Find out more here

Need Help?

Call AFC’s Education Helpline
1 (866) 427-6033
Monday to Thursday
10am to 4pm

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Help Advocates for Children assist more New York City students

Izzie

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

Read Izzie’s 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

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 Comments on State Plan for Improved Accountability
AFC provides critical recommendations for improving public schools to the New York State Education Department (SED) regarding their newly released draft request for flexibility under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB). Read the entire comment here.

AFC in the News

High dropout rate, open questions at schools that closed in 2011

2.01.2012 | GothamSchools | “What I’d really like to know is, what happened to all the other kids in the school when the closure was announced?” said Kim Sweet, executive... Read more

Mayoral Hopefuls Protest School Closings

1.31.2012 | New York Times/School Book | The politicians joined representatives from Advocates for Children, Class Size Matters and New York Communities for Change in... Read more

Do "screened" schools screen out poor kids?

1.18.2012 | Insideschools.org | "The data shows that all students do not come into the school system with an equal chance of accessing the most coveted programs," said Kim... Read more

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