Brooklyn Parents Rally as After-School Funding Gaps Persist

As the new school year unfolds, Brooklyn parents are grappling with significant funding gaps for after-school programs. Following changes in funding criteria from the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), many schools in the borough, particularly in southern neighborhoods, have found themselves without the necessary support. This situation has left parents and education advocates scrambling for alternatives to expensive private programs.

The Learning Enrichment After-School Program Support initiative, known as LEAPs, was designed to allocate funding for after-school activities in high-need areas. However, many programs in Brooklyn are now classified as “approved but not funded.” According to OCFS, New York City received 42% of the total after-school funding, with Brooklyn schools receiving 17 awards totaling $20.2 million. Yet, for many schools, including P.S. 104 and P.S. 185, the lack of funding has created a crisis for working families.

Parents are acutely aware of the financial burden that comes with after-school care. Jill Levinson, whose daughter previously participated in the NIA Community Services Network program at P.S. 185, noted that the absence of funding has made affordable options nearly impossible. With 263 out of 581 students considered economically disadvantaged, the estimated cost of $3,500 per child for after-school programs is out of reach for many families.

Sarah Cooley, a parent at P.S. 104 and a member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), emphasized the urgency of finding solutions for families who cannot afford private care. The PTA has been exploring communal babysitting arrangements as a temporary fix, but the loss of a nearby tutoring center has left parents with few viable alternatives.

Community Responses and Advocacy Efforts

Kelly Clancy, a member of Community Education Council (CEC) 20, described the financial strain on families with multiple children. She explained that her family’s after-school costs could reach as high as $11,000 if they wish to enroll all three children in available programs. Clancy has been actively seeking answers as to why some Title I schools have access to free programs while others do not, expressing frustration over the lack of support for her community.

John Ricottone, president of CEC 20, has been vocal about the need for fully funded programs across the district. He raised concerns, stating, “It’s concerning when you can’t even afford a certain food, and then you have to pay $3,000 for one child.” Ricottone’s advocacy highlights the broader implications for working families who depend on after-school care.

Annette Velez, executive director of NIA, confirmed that P.S. 104 and P.S. 185 did not receive funding for the second consecutive year. She remains hopeful as the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) prepares to issue requests for proposals for COMPASS after-school programs, which provide a more generous funding stream than LEAPs.

The city’s recent budget expansion for Mayor Eric Adams’ “After-School for All” initiative, which allocates $331 million, has raised hopes for some schools in District 21. CEC 21 President Jay Brown noted that some previously unfunded schools may receive support through this new initiative. However, the uncertainty surrounding the funding remains a point of anxiety for many parents.

Federal Funding Challenges and Future Prospects

While local efforts continue to secure funding, the future of after-school programs hangs in the balance at the federal level. The 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) program, which supports after-school and summer activities, faced a funding freeze earlier this year. Although the decision was reversed, advocates like Jenn O’Connor from the New York State Network for Youth Success are concerned about potential cuts in the fiscal 2026 budget.

O’Connor emphasized the need for proactive advocacy, as proposed changes in federal funding could directly impact New York’s LEAPs program for the 2026-27 school year. The Senate Appropriations Committee is currently working to maintain 21CCLC funding at $1.329 billion, the same level as the previous fiscal year.

In light of these challenges, parents and advocates are urging local and state officials to take immediate action. A letter signed by Congress Member Nicole Malliotakis and several state legislators called on Governor Kathy Hochul to restore funding for four schools in District 20, highlighting the essential nature of after-school programs for working families.

While OCFS Commissioner Damia Harris-Madden acknowledged the existence of alternative funding sources beyond LEAPs, many schools remain without adequate resources. As parents continue to advocate for more support, the urgency of the situation grows.

As the school year progresses, Brooklyn families remain hopeful for better access to after-school programs. The ongoing advocacy efforts reflect a community dedicated to ensuring that every child receives the support they need after school.