It has been a tumultuous week for anyone invested in education. We share the real questions and concerns raised by education advocates across the country about the executive order aimed at dismantling the federal Department of Education.
When Congress established the Department of Education in 1979, it did so with the purpose of “strengthening the federal commitment to ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual” and “improving the management and efficiency of federal education activities,” among other goals. Today, billions of dollars in federal funding managed by the Department of Education supports children and educators in New York State, including students with disabilities, college students, and students who meet federal low-income guidelines [source].
While the authority to shutter the department ultimately rests with Congress, the executive order nonetheless sends an unsettling message about this administration’s priorities. The threat of disruption for millions of children, families and educators is real and distressing.
While we are right to feel apprehensive, it’s important to note that the legal protections that govern statutes like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) cannot be undone only with the stroke of a pen. We are also fortunate to count ourselves among many organizations who remain steadfastly committed to advancing early care and learning in New York State. At a time when the federal administration’s decisions may seem volatile, it’s more important than ever that we dedicate ourselves to the values and principles that have always been at the core of our work.
In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to ask difficult questions and grapple with the implications of upheaval at the federal level. But we’ll also continue to champion policies and practices that benefit young children and early childhood practitioners. As our colleagues at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) express in their foundational position statement, “All children have the right to equitable learning opportunities that enable them to achieve their full potential as engaged learners and valued members of society.”
