Bill > A00706

This bill requires every school district in New York to employ at least one full-time, certified or licensed guidance counselor in each of their elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high, and senior high schools starting July 1, 2026. The guidance counselors would be separate from any counselors already mandated through special education funding, and would have specific responsibilities including: collaborating with instructional staff to help students prepare for current and future educational programs, providing support for students experiencing attendance, academic, behavioral, or adjustment challenges, delivering education about child sexual abuse prevention, and promoting parental involvement. The bill aims to ensure comprehensive student support by guaranteeing professional guidance counseling services across all school levels throughout the state, with the requirement taking effect immediately upon passage.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A706