Child Poverty Reduction
Many parents of young children lack access to state and federal programs designed to promote economic stability for New Yorkers and reduce child poverty.
Our Equity-Centered Approach
Investments in families’ economic security are critical measures to furthering equity statewide for Black, Latinx, and Native American families, families from low-income backgrounds, and immigrant families. We advocate for poverty-reduction policies that will provide economic stability for families, such as improving access to child care subsidies, food, and housing benefits, an expanded Empire State Child Tax Credit, and more. Our team also collaborates with the NY Can End Child Poverty coalition and the Governor’s Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, which is charged with finding solutions to cut child poverty in half in New York State by 2032.
Latest Resource
Report: From Barriers to Opportunity: Confronting New York’s Systemic Barriers to Early Childhood and Poverty-Reduction Programs
Far too many New York families do not benefit from local, state, and federal support they need to raise healthy and thriving children due to systemic barriers standing in their way. These hurdles are especially steep for Black and Latinx families, immigrants, and other historically marginalized groups.
Across child care and public benefit programs, we found striking similarities in terms of the barriers that were most pernicious in limiting families’ access to resources, such as lack of information; difficulty applying for and securing benefits; and program-specific limitations.
Featured Reports and Resources Over the Years
Parent Voice: Child Tax Credits Help, Working Families Credit Can Do More
Sen. Gounardes’ Working Families Tax Credit Included in Senate & Assembly Budget Proposals
Testimony for the Public Hearing on Public Benefits (2024)
Early Childhood Policy & Advocacy Lab
Data Snapshot
Nearly
Black, Latinx, and Native American children experience poverty in New York State.
Children in
other states are less likely to experience poverty than those in New York.
More Resources
Call to Action: Governor Hochul Must Sign Critical Child Care Bills
The Governor’s immediate signature on these bills is essential for ensuring that New York’s youngest and most vulnerable residents receive the care and education they urgently need. The proposed child care legislation marks a transformative shift towards a more equitable system.
From Barriers to Opportunity: Confronting Systemic Barriers to Early Childhood and Poverty-Reduction Programs
The report features qualitative and quantitative data that uncovers barriers families face to access poverty-reduction and early childhood programs such as child care subsidies and vouchers, WIC and SNAP benefits, and voluntary home visiting.
EdTrust-New York Statement on the Conclusion of the New York Legislative Session
EdTrust-NY and our coalition partners championed innovative legislation during this legislative session, making significant strides to support families facing the greatest challenges in accessing child care.
Arlen Benjamin-Gomez named executive director of EdTrust-New York
Prior to joining Ed Trust–NY, Arlen worked as an education equity advocate and policymaker for more than 20 years, deeply rooted in the fabric of New York. She recently served as an education equity advisor and consultant, collaborating closely with states, districts, and nonprofit organizations to propel racial, socioeconomic, and cultural equity in education.
Child tax credits help. The Working Families Tax Credit can do even more.
Read more from Amy Lee Funes, a NYC parent, on how the Working Families Tax Credit is one way that New York State can show a commitment to young children and their families.
Preliminary Budget Hearing Testimony: Child Care in NYC
New York City cannot create an equitable, comprehensive system of care without including explicit strategies that center the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and support the most marginalized of families. We offer the following recommendations to ensure that a high-quality early childhood care and education system is accessible and affordable for all families.