NYC Special Ed Services Chaos: Private School Parents Outraged

Thousands of NYC parents are furious after their children, attending private schools, were denied special education services they are legally entitled to. The Department of Education (DOE) enforced a strict June 1st deadline for enrollment, leaving many parents unaware and their children without crucial support.

Missed Deadlines and Lack of Communication

Many parents claim they never received notification of the deadline. One parent, Christine from Far Rockaway, explained that her daughter missed the notice due to an absence from school. Another parent, Erin Browne, whose son Emmett is dyslexic, stated that they didn't receive any notice last year either.

Emmett shared his frustration, stating: "I don't have that additional push and that additional help that I need to, like, do my work."

A Waiver with a Catch

The DOE recently offered a solution: parents can receive the services if they sign a legal waiver, forfeiting their right to sue the department. This has caused further outrage, with parents like Alexis Petruzzelli from Staten Island calling it a "carrot over desperate parents' heads." Petruzzelli, who previously spoke out about the issue, signed the waiver, but other families remain hesitant or haven't received the waiver.

One parent stated, "What happens if something down the line happens this year? Oh, I'm sorry. I just signed away all my rights for my child with disabilities." Another echoed the sentiment: "If I sign that and I know that with his services something is gonna happen next year, I waive my right. I'm not doing that."

DOE Response

A statement from a city schools spokesperson acknowledged that the deadline "could have been advertised much more widely" and that the DOE is "committed to increasing our outreach efforts to every family that is eligible for services." However, Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and other officials were unavailable for an on-camera interview.