NEW YORK- EdTrust-New York, in collaboration with the Raising New York Coalition, hosted a panel discussion today to unveil its new report, “From Barriers to Opportunity: Confronting New York’s Systemic Barriers to Early Childhood and Poverty-Reduction Programs.” The report sheds light on the systemic obstacles that families face when trying to access essential early childhood education and poverty-reduction resources.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Families across New York State rely heavily on public programs to support their children in critical early years. However, many families encounter barriers that prevent them from accessing the necessary local and state support. These challenges disproportionately affect people of color, immigrants, and other historically marginalized groups, contributing to New York’s troubling child poverty rate—nearly one in five children live in poverty, and that number rises to nearly one in four for Black and Latinx children.
EdTrust-New York, leading the Raising NY initiative, is committed to identifying and addressing these barriers. Over the past year, the organization collaborated with partners statewide to pinpoint the most common challenges families face in accessing high-quality childcare and public benefits like SNAP and WIC. Through extensive research, surveys, and interviews, the coalition’s findings reflect the lived experiences of families, giving parents and caregivers a voice in the conversation.
Key Findings and Barriers
The report highlights a crisis in childcare availability, with more than 60% of New York classified as a childcare desert. Recent improvements to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) have not significantly increased accessibility, as families still encounter complex application processes and stringent eligibility requirements. Many parents struggle to find available slots or are unaware of available programs altogether.
Additionally, significant barriers exist in accessing public benefits. A lack of information and cumbersome application processes deter families from utilizing SNAP and WIC, despite the rising cost of living in New York. Many families – particularly immigrant and recently arrived families – cite difficulties navigating the system, leading to frustration and unmet needs.
Recommendations for Change
To improve access to childcare and public benefit programs, the report outlines several critical recommendations:
- Enhance Outreach: Broaden efforts to inform families about available resources using targeted strategies and multilingual navigators.
- Streamline Applications: Simplify the application process, allowing families to apply for multiple programs online in one place.
- Increase Workforce Capacity: Invest in the human services workforce to reduce caseloads and improve support for families.
- Eliminate Unnecessary Restrictions: Remove arbitrary barriers and increase benefit levels to better meet families’ needs.
New York State aims to cut child poverty in half in the next decade. Achieving this goal requires that public benefit programs effectively reach families, particularly those who are most vulnerable. By addressing systemic barriers and implementing common-sense reforms, New York can ensure that all families receive the support they need to thrive.
To request an interview and the full report please email: [email protected]
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About the Report:
The report delves into both qualitative and quantitative data to uncover the barriers faced by families, particularly those of color, immigrant families, and low-income households, as they navigate complex systems to access poverty-reduction and early childhood programs.
About EdTrust-New York:
EdTrust-New York is dedicated to eliminating equity and opportunity gaps that hinder students from reaching their full potential. We focus on ensuring that all students, especially those from low-income backgrounds or communities of color, achieve high levels of success from early childhood through college. For more information, visit EdTrustNY.org.