Q&A
Expansion of specialized programs like ASD Nest, Horizon, and AIMS
3:33:18
ยท
117 sec
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about plans to expand specialized programs like ASD Nest, Horizon, and AIMS to better serve students with autism. DOE officials discuss current efforts and potential future allocations.
- In 2024, only 160 new slots were added to these programs
- DOE officials express hope for potential allocations in the coming months
- Discussion of the need for a comprehensive cost assessment for providing mandated services
- DOE officials mention ongoing analyses but are unable to provide specific numbers
- Council member requests sharing of the analysis with the council
Rita Joseph
3:33:18
Thank you.
3:33:19
The team has taken a New York City public schools testified in September of 2022.
3:33:23
We don't seek to limit payments on card cases, but rather we're looking for ways to provide families with what they need upfront so that viewers have to file such cases cases.
3:33:32
So more than 10,000 students who are classified with autism could benefit from a seat in, ASD Nest, Horizon, AIMS.
3:33:41
Yet in 2024, only a 160 new slots were added.
3:33:44
What is the plan to grow these programs to better serve more students and will have less cases?
Christina Foti
3:33:51
You know, over the next few months, chair, we're hoping to hear more about, any potential allocations for these programs.
3:33:57
But I think we've made clear today how much, we do see these programs as a as a lever for, public school options.
Rita Joseph
3:34:05
Is that when you make your new needs to OMB, is that individualized, or is it just one big bucket?
Christina Foti
3:34:13
For specialized programs generally?
3:34:15
Mhmm.
3:34:15
We we tend to just yes.
3:34:17
We put in, an overall bucket based on the number of sections.
Rita Joseph
3:34:24
So have you decided to do a comprehensive cost assessment to determine how much money it would take to provide all the mandated services, to students who are involved in credit cases?
Christina Foti
3:34:37
We have done, a number of analyses on on, costs associated with needs, not only as as it relates to Carter, but, also as it relates to filling all the gaps that we talked about today.
3:34:51
As you can imagine, chair, it's a lot of layers of of, analysis and approval that we need, but I can assure you that we, think about this day and night.
Rita Joseph
3:35:01
Do you have a number?
Christina Foti
3:35:03
Not that I could provide today, chair.
Shahana Hanif
3:35:05
Let me share the analysis.
Rita Joseph
3:35:07
Would you be able to share the analysis with the council?
Christina Foti
3:35:11
I need to talk to my colleagues, but, I I hear the question.