Education (Early Childhood)

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 9, 2026

A 10929: Prohibits the use of timeout boxes, closets or other secluded physical enclosures in schools in the state

This bill prohibits schools in the state from using timeout boxes, closets, or any secluded physical enclosures to isolate children. It defines these restricted areas as any room or structure where a child is separated from others, such as wooden or padded rooms. The law applies to a wide range of educational settings, including public schools, charter schools, private schools for students with disabilities, and various preschool programs. By banning these isolation practices, the legislation aims to prevent the use of secluded spaces for disciplinary purposes in educational environments.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects student safety by banning isolation practices, enhancing educational access and well-being.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 6, 2026

A 10959: Authorizes the provision of child care services on school grounds during school and non-school hours

This bill allows school districts to offer child care services on school property during both school and non-school hours. It specifically directs the Cobleskill-Richmondville school district to provide care for three- and four-year-olds who lack sufficient childcare options, provided there is available space. The cost of these services must be covered by the parents, local social services, or other public and private sources, rather than by the school district itself. The changes will not take effect until eighteen months after the bill becomes law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by enabling child care services on school grounds, supporting families and early education.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

Track

in committee · New York · Senate May 8, 2026

S 10247: Authorizes the provision of child care services on school grounds during school and non-school hours

This bill allows school districts to offer child care services on their property during both school and non-school hours. It permits districts to prioritize care for students first, then for employees, and finally for children aged three and four who lack other care options, with the specific plan decided by the local board of education. The cost of these services must be covered by parents, social services, or other public and private sources, rather than being paid for by the school district itself. The law will not take effect until eighteen months after it is passed.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by enabling child care services on school grounds, supporting families and students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Tags Children

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 9747: Relates to early literacy education

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates evidence-based literacy programming and required teacher professional development, directly strengthening educational quality and teacher support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 10894: Extends provisions related to certified school psychologists and special education services and programs for preschool children with handicapping conditions

Extends provisions related to certified school psychologists and special education services and programs for preschool children with handicapping conditions until June 30, 2028.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill extends provisions for certified school psychologists and special education services, expanding access and strengthening support for preschool children with handicapping conditions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Special Education

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 8, 2026

A 10908: Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education

Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes regulatory barriers for special education preschool programs, expanding access and streamlining services for students with disabilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 6237: Relates to qualifications for employees of child day care centers

Limits the experiential qualifications of group teachers for preschool classes and groups teachers for infant or toddler classes to what was required for their educational qualifications or certain college credits in related areas.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill sets minimum educational qualifications for child care teachers, enhancing professional standards and protecting early childhood education quality.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Teachers

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

A 10726: Relates to child care assistance

This bill expands eligibility for state child care assistance to include families with incomes up to 85% of the state median income, not just those currently receiving public assistance. It allows child care support for parents working, attending school, or transitioning off public assistance, and guarantees 12 to 24 months of care for families who recently lost public assistance due to increased work or income. The bill also requires the state to split its child care block grant between statewide programs for quality improvement and direct assistance to low-income families, with performance standards that could result in withheld funding for agencies that do not meet placement and support goals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands child care assistance funding to more families, increasing support for essential public services and working families.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands child care assistance for parents attending school, indirectly supporting educational access and enabling parents to pursue education while caring for children.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands child care assistance to working parents and those transitioning off public assistance, supporting workforce participation and employment stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Tags Children

Track

passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 9418: Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education

Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes regulatory barriers for preschool disability services, expanding educational access and support for vulnerable students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Special Education

Track

signed · New York · Senate Jun 26, 2026

S 9611: Extends provisions related to certified school psychologists and special education services and programs for preschool children with handicapping conditions

Extends provisions related to certified school psychologists and special education services and programs for preschool children with handicapping conditions until June 30, 2028.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill extends special education services and school psychologist provisions for preschool children, enhancing educational access and support for students with handicapping conditions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Special Education