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  • New York City promised free preschool to every family, so why do some students with disabilities struggle to find seats?

    Sep 30, 2016

    09.30.2016 | Chalkbeat New York | “The city has expanded Pre-K For All and sought to ensure there is a prekindergarten seat for every child in the city,” said Randi Levine, an early childhood expert at Advocates for Children, which worked on Mikel’s case. “Parents, advocates, and providers are concerned that we have not done enough to ensure there is a preschool seat available for every preschooler with a disability who needs one.”…

    Providers across the city have reported increasing demand for special ed preschool, and there appear to be shortages affecting entire boroughs. In one case, the city told a parent there were no seats available for a six-student special education class anywhere in Queens, Levine said, even though that is the type of program listed on the child’s individualized education plan. In the meantime, that child is at home and receiving no services. Read article

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