As the pandemic-stalled economy reopens, after-school and summer learning providers see big needs that they are positioned to fill — child care, youth and family assistance, and learning support. They’ve already stepped up as a crucial support during the pandemic, particularly assisting in providing meals.
But out-of-school organizations need the promised funding through the federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act), as well as flexibility in their contracts and adequate protective equipment, according to the New York State Network for Youth Success (NYSNYS), the state’s network of after-school providers.
The network released its Afterschool Recovery Plan on Thursday, laying out the policies it says are needed to support school-aged children.
New York received $164 million through the CARES Act for child care, after-school and summer youth programs. A small part of the funding initially was used to provide child care for the children of critical workers.
The state needs to speedily invest the bulk of the funding, NYSAN said in a statement.
Child care providers on Thursday criticized New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for slowness in allocating funds. They say the administration has been late in paying its child care contracts and has not released a plan for the remaining $134 million in federal funds. New York City Council members called on the governor to use the money to support the child care sector, which they say is in danger of failing financially.
RAiSiNG New York, a coalition of parent, early childhood, education, civil rights, business and health organizations, also called for the release of funds. In a report, it said families — especially low-income ones and families of color — have suffered greatly in the pandemic, experiencing job loss, food insecurity and general disruption.
The NYSAN plan urged the state to release guidance for its largest state-funded after-school program, Empire State After-School Program, which serves high-need schools. Otherwise, the program will have to lay off staff when there’s a critical need, the plan said. It called for a “recovery summer,” urging the state to use after-school and summer programs in its plan for reopening. The state should also ensure that program providers can access adequate protective gear and supplies, the plan said.
“Afterschool program staff have bravely and creatively mobilized to serve children, families, and essential workers during this crisis,” said Kelly Sturgis, NYSAN executive director, in a statement.
