'It's a need': Brooklyn parents face gaps in after-school funding as school year begins * Brooklyn Paper

"After the state Office of Children and Family Services changed funding criteria for after-school programs last year, many Brooklyn schools - especially in southern neighborhoods - no longer qualified for support. That left parents and schools scrambling to figure out what to do with children after dismissal without paying thousands for private programs. The same problem has emerged again this year. Several schools did not receive funding and are struggling to provide options for parents who work full time."

"The branch of OFCS that oversees after-school funding is the Learning Enrichment After-School Program Support initiative, known as LEAPs. The program funds activities across New York state, with high-need areas prioritized. According to OCFS, New York City received 42% of the total funding; Brooklyn programs received 17 awards totaling $20.2 million. Community-based organizations apply for grants through what OCFS describes as a highly competitive online process."

"Applicants most likely to receive funding must show they serve a high-needs district, with at least half of students classified as economically disadvantaged. But even if schools meet the criteria, money may not be available. For now, it's clear the city and state are still adjusting to changes brought by the creation of LEAPs, though some argue the adjustments fall short. And for many Brooklyn families, the funding fight appears far from over."

State changes to LEAPs after-school funding criteria left many Brooklyn schools, particularly in southern neighborhoods, ineligible for support. Several schools that lost funding struggled to provide after-school options for families with full-time working parents. New York City received 42% of LEAPs funding, while Brooklyn programs received 17 awards totaling $20.2 million. Community-based organizations must apply through a competitive online grant process and demonstrate service to high-needs districts with at least half of students classified as economically disadvantaged. City funds and parent assistance programs exist in some cases, while federal budget decisions could further affect funding. Adjustments to LEAPs remain incomplete and many families continue to face uncertainty.

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