Your Child's Rights

Every child has a right to a "free and appropriate education," an education that best serves each child's needs and abilities.

Advocates for Children also subscribes to the Ten Fundamental Student Rights, from Mobilization for Equity and Excellence in Education (MFEEE).

Specific information regarding your child's rights and entitlements can be found in the appropriate sections of this site, such as Special Education, Suspensions, and Promotions and Holdovers.

What to do When a Child's Rights are Violated

Where to go in New York City When Your Child's Rights have been Violated:

There are a number of steps to take within the school system if you feel that you child's rights have been violated by his or her school. First, it is a good idea to talk to your child's teacher about your concerns, and see if changes can be made. If talking to the teacher does not help resolve the problem or conflict, then you should approach other people with your concerns. The following is a list of people to write and/or call:

(For a guide to writing effective letters on behalf of your child, you can look at Wrightslaw's "The Art of Writing Letters.")

If your child is in General Education, write to:

• Your child's principal.
• The district superintendent.
• The Chancellor.

If your child is in Special Education:

MIS Students, write to:

• The special education supervisor.
• The District Administrator of Special Education.
• The Chancellor.

SIE Students, write to:

• The school principal.
• The superintendent of District 75 Schools.
• The Chancellor.

You can always contact AFC through our intake or hotline if you have a school related problem in NYC. Our phone number is 212-947-9779.

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