Produced by the Office of the Public Advocate

Contact : 212.669.4813

June 2008

MIXED SIGNALS:

311 Fails to Provide Consistent Information to Parents of Children with Special Needs

[pdf]

Summary: The survey reveals that 311 operators give inconsistent information to parents with questions about special education despite the DOE directing parents to 311 for their educational questions and concerns. Operators’ answers often point parents in the wrong direction and cause delays in accessing or maintaining vital special education services for their children. In addition, 311 operators rarely refer parents to the Department of Education’s new unlisted Special Education Call Center.