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The Children’s Agenda analyzes budgets and public policy to ensure public expenditures map to what’s effective and what does the most good. With no affiliation with or funding from government or children’s services providers, we look at the impact of proposed funding plans on kids and families in the Rochester City School District, Monroe County, New York State, or The City of Rochester. We look out for taxpayers, making sure that expenditures are for evidence-based preventive programs that work—not expensive, remedial, or ineffective programs.

Digital Divide In Rochester

April 15, 2020

FCC data indicate that all blocks in Rochester have necessary digital infrastructure for both residential broadband and wireless communication. According to the US Census, the majority of city residents (88%) have some type of computer, smartphone or wireless device and 80% have some type of internet subscription. However, 17% of residents rely solely on a cellular data plan. Smartphones have limited functionality for educational purposes. Therefore, 37% of residents have limited online functionality. There are geographic disparities in internet access with some neighborhoods having 20% – 40% of residents with internet access and others having 80+%. Most Rochester neighborhoods are in the 60% – 80% range. The pandemic has had significant impacts on education that are exacerbated by disparities in access to online learning.

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Why RCSD’s School Board Should Develop a More Inclusive and Comprehensive Plan to Restructure Pre-Kindergarten

March 2, 2020

The Rochester City School District (RCSD) Board of Education has approved a shift of as many as 500 PreK slots from existing neighborhood providers into two district-run schools starting next school year by a
5-2 vote. We applaud Commissioners LeBron and Elliott for opposing the plan and standing up for a more cautious and thoughtful approach. Now it is critically important to maximize potential benefits to
children and families and minimize any potential harm.

RCSD should immediately establish a Board-Staff-Community Task Force to develop a comprehensive Pre-K and early elementary enrollment plan.

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Child Care Report

Declining Child Care Options for Young Children – Full Report

January 9, 2020

Child care across the state and nation suffers from an extraordinary lack of public resources. Greater investments from local, state, and federal partners are needed to stabilize our community’s child care system, allow child care workers to earn a living wage, and ensure children receive the care and support they need to thrive. The purpose of this report is to inform leaders in Rochester, Monroe County, and New York State about the growing shortage of regulated care for young children, and to identify policies that can strengthen this crucial support for families.

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Child Care Report Executive Summary Cover

Declining Child Care Options for Young Children – Executive Summary

January 9, 2020

Child care across the state and nation suffers from an extraordinary lack of public resources. Greater investments from local, state, and federal partners are needed to stabilize our community’s child care system, allow child care workers to earn a living wage, and ensure children receive the care and support they need to thrive. The purpose of this report is to inform leaders in Rochester, Monroe County, and New York State about the growing shortage of regulated care for young children, and to identify policies that can strengthen this crucial support for families.

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2020 Analysis of Monroe County Budget – Full Report

December 5, 2019

The Children’s Agenda offers this review of the proposed 2020 County budget and its impact on children and youth with two audiences in mind: County legislators who will vote on its proposals, and the new County administration who will have the opportunity to make changes in County policy and funding beyond 2020.

In this report, we provide priority recommendations for Monroe County’s 2020 Proposed Budget and for the County as it enters a new decade. We hope this review will move us toward our community’s shared goal of making Monroe County the best place in the state of New York to raise a family.

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County 2020 Budget Executive Summary Cover Page

2020 Analysis of Monroe County Budget – Executive Summary

December 5, 2019

The Children’s Agenda offers this review of the proposed 2020 County budget and its impact on children and youth with two audiences in mind: County legislators who will vote on its proposals, and the new County administration who will have the opportunity to make changes in County policy and funding beyond 2020.

In this report, we provide priority recommendations and commendations for Monroe County’s 2020 Proposed Budget and for the County as it enters a new decade. We hope this review will move us toward our community’s shared goal of making Monroe County the best place in the state of New York to raise a family.

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The Children’s Agenda
1 South Washington St.
Suite 120
Rochester, NY 14614

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(585) 256-2620
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Our Mission

The Children’s Agenda advocates for effective policies and drives evidenced-based solutions for the health, education and success of children. We are especially committed to children who are vulnerable because of poverty, racism, health disparities and trauma.

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