On July 14, 2026, New York City shared a big plan to expand special education into preschool. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced it together. The mayor's office said the city will spend $67.5 million to bring special education into pre-K classrooms across 14 of the city's 32 school districts. The plan grows five programs that already exist. They are called Nest, Horizon, AIMS, Path, and ACES. Chalkbeat reported that these programs already serve older students and that many families want spots in them. Demand is high. CBS News reported that the money will help children get into the program earlier and closer to home. The74million noted that New York City runs the largest public school system in the country. So this change could reach many young children and their families.
NYC mayor expands preschool special education with $67.5 million investment
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced a $67.5 million investment to expand the Nest, Horizon, AIMS, Path and ACES special education programs into pre-K across 14 of the city's 32 school districts.
