As New Yorkers approach a pivotal mayoral election, discussions around the future of the city are gaining momentum, with a specific focus on the need for quality afterschool services.
Recent statements emphasize that investing in such programs is essential not only for the healthy development of youth but also for creating a stronger economy that allows parents, particularly mothers, to fully participate in the workforce.
Currently, many afterschool programs in New York City are facing challenges such as limited capacity, long waitlists, and inconsistent quality.
According to the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, an alarming 80 percent of families find afterschool services unaffordable.
The scarcity of initiatives like the Comprehensive Afterschool System (COMPASS) and School’s Out New York City (SONYC) has left countless students unsupervised from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., raising concerns for their safety and well-being.
Fortunately, Mayor Eric Adams has announced a significant commitment of $331 million aimed at creating 20,000 new afterschool slots by Fiscal Year 2028.
This investment is viewed as a positive step toward establishing an inclusive afterschool system, which could prevent learning loss and help reduce community violence and crime.
Advocates have lauded the administration for its visionary approach, recognizing the potential this proposal holds for working families in need.
However, a critical oversight in the mayor’s proposal has emerged: the ongoing staffing crisis impacting afterschool programs throughout the city.
As demand for these programs rises, providers face financial constraints that hinder their ability to deliver quality care.
Many organizations are operating at a loss, struggling to keep up with community needs, which ultimately affects the children they serve.
Calls for increased reimbursement rates to address these financial difficulties have gone unheeded for years, and unfortunately, the mayor’s plan does not come into effect until 2027.
This delay is seen as insufficient by many advocates, as families require access to quality afterschool services immediately.
They argue that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget should include an increase in rates for COMPASS and SONYC programs to ensure sustainable operations and better serve the city’s youth.
The push for higher base rates is crucial, especially as the mayor seeks to make New York City more affordable.
By prioritizing these investments, the administration can reinforce a stable foundation that supports the growth of afterschool programs.
The time to act is now, as the future of the city hinges on the ability to build a robust and universal afterschool system.
Regardless of the upcoming election results, it is imperative for city leaders to adopt a clear vision for sustaining and expanding these essential services.
Failing to act could result in the continued suffering of children, youth, and working families, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The call for a quality afterschool system is not just a matter of educational support; it is a significant component of fostering a stable and thriving community.
With the right investments, New York City can pave the way for a future that meets the needs of all its families and strengthens the overall economy.
Raysa S. Rodriguez, executive director of Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, and Ben Thomases, executive director of Queens Community House, stress that this opportunity should not be missed, as the city’s future depends on securing quality afterschool programs now.
image source from：citylimits
