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.