Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
Q&A
Discussion on NEST and Horizon programs for children with autism
2:38:35
·
98 sec
Council Member Justin Brannan inquires about the capacity and expansion of NEST and Horizon programs for children with autism. Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti provides information on the programs' current status and future plans.
- DOE is opening 16 new classes in the upcoming year
- Total of 116 more students will be served in specialized autism programs
- Projecting to serve almost 5,100 students in specialized autism programs overall
- Funding for expansion was managed internally without a new needs request to OMB
Justin Brannan
2:38:35
Last from me, and then I'm gonna kick it back to chair Joseph.
2:38:39
So I wanna talk about the NEST and Horizon programs.
2:38:42
So DOE recently expanded the number of specialized programs for children with autism in three school districts.
2:38:48
At prior hearings DOE has testified to the very positive outcomes for students enrolled in these programs.
2:38:55
NEST and Horizon are two programs that I'm a huge fan of and I think we need to do more of.
2:39:00
They have a ninety seven percent four year graduation rate, higher than the general education graduation rate.
2:39:07
So what is the current capacity of Nest Horizon and the AIMS programs?
Christina Foti
2:39:17
You, Chair.
2:39:18
So our current capacity in the upcoming year we're gonna be opening 16 new classes and in total we're gonna be serving 116 more students in our specialized autism programs.
2:39:32
Overall we're projecting to serve almost 5,100 students in specialized autism programs.
2:39:41
We appreciate the support of these programs and yes are excited to keep that number moving towards 100%.
Justin Brannan
2:39:48
Did New York City Public Schools submit a new needs request for the expansion to OMB?
Christina Foti
2:39:54
Well thankfully we worked we did some cost analysis and are able to work out the funding this year internally.
2:40:03
We want to continue to grow these programs, as you know.
2:40:07
And we want to get to these parents that are on waiting lists.
2:40:12
These are highly sought after programs.