12.13.2022 | ABC 7 News | New York City officials announced an expansion of seats for preschool students with special needs across all five boroughs on Tuesday. “Many of these children were sitting at home waiting months or longer, in violation of their legal rights,” said Randi Levine, policy director at Advocates for Children of New York. 

Mayor Eric Adams said the Department of Education is keeping the current 3,000 seats available and adding 800 more seats by this spring across 65 early childhood providers. 

Officials said previously, the early childhood education system did not have a strategic or intentional focus on serving young kids living with disabilities and their families. Their teachers and educators were also paid less than their general education peers. Watch video