CCC testified about New York City’s after-school programs, at a City Council Youth Services hearing on September 16, 2014.
CCC appreciated the opportunity to be able to testify about after-school programs during this period of historic expansion. Not only had funding for programs previously at risk been permanently restored to the budget, but the de Blasio administration secured $145 million from the state to expand after-school programs to all middle school students.
CCC’s testimony included the following recommendations to further strengthen the City’s after-school system:
Continue to expand access to after-school programs by significantly increasing capacity for elementary and high school students.
Address the rate for programs not impacted by the middle-school expansion (including Beacons, elementary and high school programs).
Enhance the elementary school model by ensuring younger children (including 4-year olds), children with special needs and English Language Learners are engaged in programs that address their unique needs.
Continue to enhance the communication, collaboration and data sharing between agencies (DYCD, ACS, DOE, and DOHMH) provider and the public).
Ensure funding for elementary summer programming remains intact in the budget by baselining funds.
