NYC expands preschool special education programs with $67.5 million investment

Today, the city announced a major investment to expand special education options at preschools in our borough. Mayor Mamdani said $67.5 million will be going towards hiring new staff and making specialized programs available in 14 different districts across the city. That includes District 14, 15, 20 and 21. The expansion will provide Children with high quality, individualized instruction to strengthen academic communication and social development, both inside and outside of the classroom, according to education leaders. Universal has to mean exactly that. It has to mean universal. Having a child with a disability or a special need should not make families the exception to that rule. Every preschooler deserves to learn why the sky is blue, why the grass is green, why flamingos stand on one leg at a pre K program in their community. And every parent deserves to know that no matter what educational needs their child may have, that they are safe, that they are supported and that they are learning. The city says new staff will help reduce evaluation wait times, expand bilingual assessment options and help families navigate the I. E. P. Process.