We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the New York City Department of Education. Parents can spend an enormous amount of time researching different programs or simply trying to understand their child’s school-related rights.
AFC’s free know-your-rights guides, tip sheets, and other resources can help you advocate successfully for your child.
42 Results Found
A list of school resources specifically for students in temporary housing in NYC.
This guide is for families of NYC students who need more help learning to read. It provides an overview of reading instruction and what’s changing with NYC Reads; answers common questions about dyslexia; and explains how to get help if your child is struggling.
This fact sheet for families of students with disabilities covers issues that typically come up at the start of the school year, such as what to do if a child does not yet have a school assignment or if the school assigned says they cannot serve the child’s needs.
This fact sheet reviews the rights students have when taking Regents exams.
This fact sheet provides information on what to do if you are being pushed out of school or left school and want to re-enroll.
A guide to public education programs for 3 and 4-year-olds for the 2025-26 school year. This guide provides information on free/low-cost early childhood programs in New York City, including Pre-K, 3-K, Infant & Toddler programs, and Head Start, and how to find and apply to those programs.
This guide explains the kindergarten admissions process and answers frequently asked questions. Includes information for families of students with disabilities, ELLs, and students in temporary housing.
This tip sheet explains the high school admissions process in NYC and gives families tips for applying to public high schools.
This tip sheet explains the middle school admissions process in NYC and gives families tips for applying to public middle schools.
This fact sheet provides an outline of the annual standardized state tests that are administered to New York City students and explains the specific testing accommodations made for ELLs.