Since the summer of 2015, the Campaign for Children, parents, youth, providers, and have had to advocate annually to maintain summer programming at the now over 34,000 middle school after-school slots created by the de Blasio administration.  In prior years, the summer programming has been saved through advocacy efforts with the City Council, often leaving parents and providers scrambling to enroll children just as school is ending.  Last year, the administration partially restored the slots in February, which was a relief to thousands of children and their parents.

Unfortunately, this year’s Preliminary Budget once again cuts the $20.35 million needed to ensure children enrolled in after-school programs have a safe and developmentally stimulating place to be while their parents are at work in July and August.  Notably, all after-school slots, except those part of the de Blasio middle school expansion, include summer programming.

Summer programs prevent summer learning loss, while enabling parents to work knowing their children are somewhere safe and engaged in organized activities rather than home alone watching television or out on the street. These programs also ensure that children have access to free, nutritious meals.