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Child Education Resources

Development Evaluation Programs

 

A developmental evaluation is a psychological assessment for children that looks at many areas of their functioning, like their ability to think, talk, behave, connect with others, move their bodies, and adapt to new situations. All NYC children can receive evaluations at no cost.
 
Please see below:

 

Early Intervention (EI)

The program provides free evaluation and case management assistance to families who are concerned about their child’s development. It is intended for younger children under 3. Ask your child’s doctor for a referral, and a social worker will contact you. Go to www.nyc.gov and type “early intervention” in the search bar to learn more.

 

Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)

Write to your local CPSE if you are worried about your 3-5-year-old’s development. The support process begins with the CPSE and your “initial referral” letter. Emailing the letter to seek an evaluation is required. Check out this letter template or look up the quick links below. Find your district and CPSE at Find a School Tool. For more information, go to www.nyc.gov and type “Preschool Special Education.”.

 

Individualized Educational Plan

If your 6- to 17-year-old child is experiencing behavioral or academic issues, ask your school’s principal to evaluate your child. This will help you and the school make a program of services and support that fits your child’s needs. Use this letter template to get what you need, or look up the quick links below.
 
Quick links

 

Updated on February 9, 2024.


 

Support Services for Developmental Concerns by Non-Profits

 

Non-profit organizations offer a variety of services tailored to your child’s and family’s needs. Insurance qualifying requirements may apply.

 

Early Childhood Consultation by Harlem Child Development

Child and family development experts visit both public and private preschools for on-site consultations. Consultants keep an eye on kids, meet with directors and teachers, run workshops, and give parents advice. If needed, they can also send parents to child development specialists for testing and services. Call (212) 690-7234 to get in touch. Visit jewishboard.org/listing/harlem-child-development-center

 

ABC Early Childhood

Early childhood programs provide therapy and lessons at centers or at home for children from low-income families, with disabilities, or who have experienced trauma or homelessness. Program locations include East Harlem and Upper Yorkville, as well as home-based programs. Learn more at a-b-c.org/early-childhood.
 

IncludeNYC

Through their helpline, they provide individualized, direct assistance. Reach them at (212) 677-4660. Access workshops and resources at includenyc.org.
 

Advocates for Children of New York

Their specialists help children struggling in school or experiencing discrimination in their learning programs. Get help at (866) 427-6033. Access resources at advocatesforchildren.org.
 

Legal Services NYC

They advise and represent public and charter school students facing school challenges. Call (917) 661-4500 for an intake in any language. Learn more at legalservicesnyc.org
 
Updated on February 9, 2024


 

Infant and Toddler Childcare

 

Families with children aged 6 weeks to 3 years old in New York City can enroll in free or low-cost, high-quality infant and toddler programs. Extended care is also available for a maximum of ten hours each day. See below for enrollment details.

 

Early Head Start

 
Early Head Start provides center- and home-based care for children between six weeks and three years old. Beyond care and education, Early Head Start provides children with nutritional meals, health screening tests, and family health services.
 
Families who want to enroll may qualify if at least one of the following is met: income meets federal guidelines, housing is temporary, benefits are obtained (i.e. SNAP / WIC, cash assistance with TANF, social security income with SSI) or child is in foster care.
 
Visit MySchools.nyc to find Head Start programs; call them to start your application. Sign up no matter what your citizenship or immigration situation is! Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/infant-and-toddler.
 

Extended Daycare

 
Seats are free or low-cost and provide early care and education for up to 10 hours of care a day. Eligibility for these seats are based on family income and needs. If you get an offer, you will need to submit a Childcare Assistance Application.
 
To know more about childcare assistance also known as vouchers, visit nyc.gov/site/acs/early-care/apply-child-care.page. Learn more about what Extended Care offers at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/infant-and-toddler.

 

Day Care Council of NYC

The Day Care Council of NYC is an organization that works to connect parents to day care centers near them while also working with day care providers themselves to assist in the development of quality child care. Learn more about their community service at dccnyinc.org/families. Contact them at 212-206-7818 or info@dccnyinc.org.
 

Childcare Assistance or Childcare Vouchers

Child care vouchers help cover the cost of child care for children 6 weeks to 13 years old. Children with disabilities up to 19 years old are also covered. Parents are not required to be U.S. citizens. However, the child receiving care must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or have satisfactory immigration status. The size of your family, where you live, your income, and the reason you need care all play a role in determining eligibility. Find out if you are eligible at mycity.nyc.gov/s/screening-flow. Call the ACS Call Center at 212-835-7610, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. for help.
 
Updated on February 20, 2024.


3K and 4K (Pre-K)

 

Between 3 and 4 years old, children can attend preschool and prepare for elementary school (kindergarten to 5th grade). In NYC, public 4-K (Pre-K) seats are guaranteed. However, seats for 3-K may be limited.

 

Apply to 3K and 4K online or call (718) 935-2009. Application deadlines vary from year to year. Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.

 

3K

“3k” stands for “three-year-old kindergarten,” which means that the school is for children who are three years old and ready to start their early education. Preschools like 3K schools focus on building basic skills in young kids and getting them ready for kindergarten and beyond. 3K programs have been found to improve children’s intellectual and social development.
 

3K Application

1. Sign up for 3-K and/or Pre-K admissions email lists for updates about events and deadlines at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
2. Learn when to apply to 3-K or Pre-K at schools.nyc.gov/3k. Annual deadlines are usually in March.
3. Use MySchools.nyc to explore program options.
4. Find your school district (1-32): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311.
5. Apply by the deadline.

 
**Keep in mind that students who do not attend 3-K the year they are eligible cannot attend 3-K the year the next year when they turn four.**
 
Beware, that there are three types of 3-K seats or centers you can apply to:
 

  • School Day: Seats are free and provide early care education for 6 hours and 20 minutes a day.
  •  

  • Extended Day and Year: Seats are free or low cost and provide early care and education for up to 10 hours of care a day. Eligibility for these seats are based on family income and needs. If you get an offer, you will need to submit a Childcare Assistance Application. To know more about this application visit nyc.gov/site/acs/early-care/apply-child-care.page. Go to schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/infant-and-toddler to learn more about Extended Care.
  •  

  • Head Start: Seats are free and provide up to 10 hours of early care and education a day, year-round. Eligibility for these seats are based on family income and needs. Families that receive an offer will need to confirm eligibility directly through the program. For application assistance, contact a NYCPS Family Welcome Center at ccapplication@schools.nyc.gov, visit MyCity, or call 311.
  •  
    For more information on applications, read this guide. Check schools.nyc.gov/3K for the latest information on deadlines. For detailed instructions about enrollment visit enrollmentsupport.schools.nyc and type “3K enrollment support”.
     

    4K or Pre-K

    4K or Pre-K programs prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten by expanding on concepts covered in 3K and introducing more complex ideas.
     

    4K or Pre-K Application

    1. Sign up for Pre-K admissions email lists for updates about events and deadlines at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
    2. Learn when to apply to Pre-K at schools.nyc.gov/pre-k. Annual deadlines are usually in March.
    3. Use MySchools.nyc to explore program options.
    4. Find your school district (1-32): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311.
    5. Apply by the deadline.

    • Online at MySchools.nyc
    • By phone at 718-935-2009.
    • Through a Family Welcome Center—learn how at schools.nyc.gov/FWC
    •  
      Types of pre-K seats or centers you can apply to are:
       

    • School Day: Seats are free and provide early care education for 6 hours and 20 minutes a day.
    •  

    • Extended Day and Year: Seats are free or low cost and provide early care and education for up to 10 hours of care a day. Eligibility for these seats are based on family income and needs. If you get an offer, you will need to submit a Childcare Assistance Application. To know more about this application visit nyc.gov/site/acs/early-care/apply-child-care.page. Go to schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/infant-and-toddler to learn more about Extended Care.
    •  
      For detailed instructions about enrollment visit enrollmentsupport.schools.nyc and type “Pre-K enrollment support”.
       
      Updated on February 15, 2024.


       

    K-12

     

    In the United States, students begin formal education at the age of five or six. In general, students must complete elementary and secondary school grades, after which they can choose to attend college or university.

     
    Kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) schools are separated into three levels:
     

     
    K-12 schools are either public or private. In New York City, public schools are operated by the DOE, which has a separate application process for each K-12 level. Learn when and how to apply to each level of public school below:
     

    Elementary School (grades K–5)

     

    Children who are 5 years old are eligible to attend kindergarten and begin elementary school.
    To apply:

     
    1. Sign up for kindergarten and Gifted & Talented (G&T) admissions email lists at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
    2. Learn when to apply to kindergarten at schools.nyc.gov/K. Annual deadline is usually in January.
    3. Use MySchools.nyc to learn about kindergarten options.
    4. Learn which community school district (1-32) you live in and if your child has a zoned school by entering your address at school search.schools.nyc or calling 311.
    5. Apply by the deadline.

     
    For more information, read this guide. Check schools.nyc.gov/K and schools.nyc.gov/GT to get the most up-to-date information on this year’s application timeline and admissions events.

     

    Middle School (grades 6–8)

     

    Middle school is the educational stage between an elementary school and a high school, typically for children in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The annual application deadline is normally in December.
     
    To apply:

     

    1. Use MySchools.nyc to identify the programs your child is eligible to attend.

    2. Find your child’s school district(s) and any zoned middle schools(s): Enter your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call 311

    3. Add up to 12 program choices to your application. Put your choices in your true order of preference, with your favorite program as #1. There is no better strategy.

    4. Apply one of the following ways:

    • Online at MySchools.nyc—recommended!
    • Through your child’s current school counselor (for public DOE or charter school families)
    • At a Family Welcome Center (for private or parochial school families)

     

    High School (grades 9–12)

     

    High school is the educational stage for children in the 9, 10, 11 and 12 grades and it prepares your child for college. Academic grades and coursework, extracurricular activities, internships, and volunteer work are all significant. Learn more on how to apply below.
     
    To apply:

     
    1. Read this guide! Check schools.nyc.gov/HS for the most up-to-date information.
    2. Sign up for our high school admissions email list at schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
    3. Use MySchools.nyc to start exploring program options.
    4. Discuss high school options with your family! Start building a list of favorite programs.
    5. Make an appointment with your school counselor to discuss your high school options.
    6. Learn when to apply to high school.
    7. Add 12 programs to your application in your true order of preference.
    8. Apply to high school by the deadline.

  • Online at MySchools.nyc—recommended!
  • Through your child’s current school counselor (for public DOE or charter school families)
  • At a Family Welcome Center (for private or parochial school families)
  • 9. Complete any additional requirements, such as an audition
     
    Updated on February 21, 2024


     

    K-12 Online Tutoring

     

    Children have access to free one-on-one tutoring services that are available to them. Take a look at the choices right below. There may be a requirement for an application form.

     

    • New York Public Library

    nypl.ny.brainfuse.com/authenticate.asp

    Tutoring for children from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Schedule a session by logging in  with your library card number.

     

    • Hatch Tutors

    hatchtutors.org

    Your child will be matched with a teacher based on grade level, subject, and availability. Applicants can send in their forms during the summer.

     

    • Edumate

    edumatenyc.org

    Help is offered online or on the phone and 1 hour of tutoring is offered per week. Enrollment is ongoing.

     

    • A Little Joy Initiative

    alittlejoyinitiative.com/tutoring

    A tutor will be matched to your child by grade level, subject, and availability as soon as possible. Enrollment is ongoing.

     

    • Learn To Be

    learntobe.org

    A tutor will be matched to your child within a week. Enrollment is ongoing.

     
    Updated on February 17, 2024


     

    K-12 Afterschool

     

    Afterschool classes are enrichment sessions that are held immediately following school, in the evenings, on weekends, during summer vacation, or on holidays. Afterschool improves children’s academic performance and promotes good health. Contact your child’s after-school program staff directly. See other options below.

     

    ALL YEAR-ROUND

     

    ARTS AND MEDIA
    The Cooper Union Saturday Program

    Free studio art classes are available at the Cooper Union on Saturdays. Find classes in Architecture, Digital Media/Photography, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpture, Senior Design Studio, and Senior Visual Art Studio. No prior experience is necessary; students only need to be highly motivated. Visit cooper.edu/academics/outreach-and-pre-college/saturday-program or email saturdayprogram@cooper.edu to learn more. Otherwise, call (212) 353-4108.
     

    Teen Media

    Teens have the chance to develop their computational interests or learn valuable lifelong skills with the Youth and Teen Media Education Program by NYC Parks. For more information about a wide selection of programs, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/media/teens or email media.ed@parks.nyc.gov. Call (212) 360-2791 for support.
     

    PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS
    CityParks Foundation

    Their programs are located in more than 400 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City. Explore options for middle schoolers at cityparksfoundation.org/learn
     

    NYC Parks and Recreation

    It offers free after-school programs for children from 6 to 13 years old. Programming is based around monthly themes including sports, famous artists, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Registration is required. To apply, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/afterschool.
     

    Youth Sports Programs and Instructional Clinics

    For kids eight and up, there are many sports options in New York City parks. Anyone can participate in any of the programs, but they need to be an enrolled member of the recreation center. For further information, contact your neighborhood recreation facility. Locate the nearest recreational center at nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters.
     

    Soccer at South Bronx United (SBU)

    SBU soccer programs vary based on child experience. Recreational soccer programs are open to boys and girls ages 2–19 of all experience levels. Learn and apply at southbronxunited.org. There is an enrollment fee that varies depending on the program. In cases of financial hardship, families can submit financial assistance for a partial or complete waiver.
     

    Garden Apprentice Program

    Teenagers in grades 8–12 have the chance to be involved and learn about urban agriculture and the wonders of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden through the Garden Apprentice Program. The apprenticeship is a nine-month-based program. Visit www.bbg.org/learn/gap or email gap@bbg.org for more information. New applications are open every year in the fall.
     

    MATH AND SCIENCE
    BEAM (Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics)

    Math and problem-solving are the focal points of the BEAM  programs. BEAM supports middle and high school students who are underrepresented in STEM careers. Students are welcome to take part in a wide range of enrichment events throughout the year, such as classes on the weekends, field trips and lab visits, and more. Learn more at beammath.org/a-10-year-program. Contact BEAM at (888) 264-2793 or info@beammath.org.
     

    Brooklyn Robot Foundry

    Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers STEAM classes for children aged 2–12 years. The Robot Foundry wants to inspire children to explore, problem-solve, and imagine by making STEAM learning entertaining. Visit brooklynrobotfoundry.com/programs for more information or call (347) 762-6840.
     

    SPRING BREAK
    STEM Matters NYC

    New York City public school K–12 students are invited to apply to STEM Matters NYC enrichment programs offered during spring break. Visit nycdoe.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/camper/App to submit your application. Applicants entering kindergarten through grade 9 are selected to participate via lottery.
     

    SUMMER BREAK
    Summer Rising

    Summer Rising is a free, safe, and fun academic and enrichment program for NYC students currently in grades K–8. In every neighborhood, well-known community-based organizations and local school leaders run it. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are served to each student. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer.
     

    Outdoor Pools

    Find a city’s outdoor pool near you and take swimming lessons in the summer. Visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools to learn more about open days and hours of operation.
     

    NYC Parks Summer Camps

    NYC Parks Summer Day Camp offers 6–13-year-olds a variety of summer activities. Campers participate in sports, fitness, and outdoor activities while exploring New York City’s cultural and educational offerings. Registration is conducted through a lottery in early March. Learn more and apply at nycgovparks.org/summercamp/applying.
     

    Fresh Air Fund Summer Camps

    Fresh Air Fund offers outdoor summer activities for kids to provide them with new experiences, skills, and ways to see things from different points of view. Learn about their programs at freshair.org. Apply by creating an account. If you have trouble registering, email apply@freshair.org or call 800-367-0003.
     

    YMCA Camps

    The YMCA offers day camps in all five boroughs for children aged 8–12. Learn more at ymcanyc.org/programs/camp.

     

    Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

    NYC teens between 14 and 21 receive career exploration and paid work experience each summer through the nation’s biggest youth employment program, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Participants can earn money through their participation. Call 1-800-246-4646 for questions and learn how to apply at nyc.gov/syep. Applications usually close in March. Apply early!
     
    Updated on February 21, 2024
     


    Internships

     

    An internship is short-term work that allows a student to obtain firsthand experience in a specific field. One of the most significant advantages of working an internship is that you will earn skills and experience that you can apply to future employment and classes. There are many opportunities in NYC.

     

    GENERAL
    Futures and Options

    Futures and Options provides paid, mentored internships and career readiness workshops to high school juniors and seniors. Apply by visiting futuresandoptions.org/our-programs/our-programs-internships.
     

    ARTS
    The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship

    The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program offers paid professional development opportunities for high school students pursuing administrative, programming, and production jobs in the arts and entertainment industries. The annual deadline is in January. Visit apollotheater.org/education/apollo-theater-academy/internships to learn more.
     

    The Met Summer Internships

    The Met offers undergraduate and graduate students paid internships that would help them gain professional experience and explore museum careers in the arts. The annual deadline is in January. Learn how to apply at metmuseum.org/about-the-met/internships/undergraduate-and-graduate-students/summer.
     

    HUMANITIES
    Tech Scholars by New-York Historical Society

    Tech Scholars engage 9–12 grade girls in coding through passion projects in the humanities. The program creates digital media projects that aim to have a social impact. Visit nyhistory.org/education/tech-scholars to apply. Annual deadlines are usually in early May. Call (212) 873-3400 for more information.
     

    New York District Attorney’s High School Internship Program

    The New York District Attorney Internship Program is a robust internship that offers students hands-on experience with the criminal justice system. Application deadlines are usually in March. For questions, inquire at highschoolinternship@dany.nyc.gov or by calling (347-417-2001). Visit manhattanda.org/careers/internship-opportunities/high-school-internship to learn more.
     

    SCIENCE
    The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP)

    The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides high school students with hands-on experience in laboratory techniques. Visit mskcc.org/education-training/high-school-college/hopp-summer-student and start an application. Yearly applications start in November. For any questions, please reach out to the HOPP Summer Student Program at HOPPSummerProgram@mskcc.org or (646) 888-2013.
     

    NASA

    The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students to improve science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Learn more at nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs.
     

    Center for Excellence High School Summer Programs at Mount Sinai

    Mt. Sinai is offering free virtual summer courses and in-person internships. For additional information, please visit icahn.mssm.edu/about/diversity/ceye/programs/summer or send an email to ceye@mssm.edu. For frequently asked questions (FAQs), please see page 5 of this document. The deadline for applications is in March.
     

    Mount Sinai Computer Science Program

    The Ma’ayan Laboratory’s Summer Research Training Program in Biomedical Big Data Science is a ten-week research intense program for undergraduate and master’s students interested in cutting-edge biomedical data-intensive research projects. For more information, visit labs.icahn.mssm.edu/maayanlab/summer-research-program. The application deadline is in February.
     
    Updated in February 22, 2024
     



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