Details still missing from New York City’s free child care program

Last month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to set aside 100,000 child care slots for students enrolled in hybrid learning. Now, only a few weeks from the start of the school year, many details are still unknown about the program, the Staten Island Advance reports. 

Set to be operated by community-based organizations, the Learning Bridges program will enroll up to 100,000 children ranging from age 3 up to those in 8th grade. It will “provide opportunities for children to connect to their remote learning activities,” according to the city Department of Education website, as well as offer time for art and other recreational activities.

Learning Bridges is set to use spaces such as libraries and community centers, but exact locations are still unknown. Parents, particularly essential workers who took advantage of the city’s previous free child care initiative for frontline workers, are particularly anxious to know more about the program.

The city sent out a survey to parents this past week who may be interested in taking advantage of free child care. It asks whether enrolled students have parents who are essential workers – such as staff with the Education Department or hospital workers – and if they live in public housing or temporary housing. This could be an indication that these families may be prioritized in accessing the program.