Advocates for Children of New York (AFC)-Helpline and Guides

Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) offers free know-your-rights guides, tip sheets, and other resources to help you understand New York City’s public school system. Click on the links below to view resources in your area of interest. 

Know Your Educational Rights: AFC's Recorded Webinars
See video, slides and resources from our ongoing webinar series, where we've covered topics such as remote learning, early childhood education, special education, graduation & grading policy changes, and more.

General School Rights 
Learn about bullying, charter schools, enrollment, transfers, transportation, literacy, parent-teacher conferences, promotion policy, and the rights of LGBTQ students

Early Childhood Education: Ages 0-5 
Learn about Early Intervention, pre-K and 3K, preschool special education services, kindergarten admissions, and the transition from preschool special education to kindergarten 

Students with Disabilities and Special Education 
Learn about special education evaluations, IEP meetings, impartial hearings, Section 504, assistive technology, twice-exceptional students, and more

Older Students, Graduation Requirements, and Transitioning to Adulthood 
Learn about graduation requirements, diploma options, the rights of over-age students, alternative high school programs, school push-out, and planning for life after high school

Immigrant Families and English Language Learners (ELLs) 
Learn about enrollment, services, and program options for dual language learners, promotion and graduation requirements for ELLs, and translation and interpretation services

Suspensions and School Discipline 
Learn about behavior intervention plans, suspension hearings, and protections for students with disabilities facing discipline in school

Highly Mobile Students: Youth in Foster Care, Temporary Housing, or the Juvenile/Criminal Justice System
Learn about the rights of students experiencing homelessness or involved in the child welfare or juvenille/criminal justice system, including enrollment, transportation, special education consent, and resources for children with incarcerated parents.

AFC's Education Helpline:

Phone number: [phone]

Monday to Thursday

10 am to 4 pm