The purpose of this study was to better understand how families with young children are experiencing the enrollment and recertification processes for priority benefits programs, as well as to gather feedback on how impacted populations would like to see these processes improved.
New York had an opportunity to transform the way we serve children. However, with the notable exceptions of Early Intervention and continuous Medicaid coverage for children from birth to six, our elected officials mostly opted for investments that are for one year only.
This report examines how New York can consolidate existing tax credits and exemptions into the Working Families Tax Credit to significantly reduce child poverty and make New York a more affordable place to raise children.
Children need bolder action in the New York State budget that changes systems in ways that are effective and equitable.
Children in New York need bold legislative action to make the systems that serve them effective and equitable.
The Children’s Agenda is a bold voice for children. We are pleased to share highlights of what we achieved for children in 2023 by making democracy work for kids.
Families in Rochester and Monroe County are experiencing widespread financial hardship and family financial stress that impacts children.
Housing instability and child poverty are problems we can fix, if we can summon the political will to do so. New York State should identify housing stability as a top priority so every child has a consistent place to call home.
The Children’s Agenda is a bold voice for children. We are pleased to share highlights of what we achieved for children in 2022.
A review was done of research and evaluations on community schools throughout the country plus available data on community schools in Rochester. Synthesis of the information can inform development of a community school system. There are varying principles community schools are based on, including collaboration, equity, and a mixed model. Community schools can impact students, teachers, families, communities, and systems. In Rochester the demographics of community schools are, overall, proportionate to the district, but notable variability exists. Current academic outcomes and available staff also vary greatly. Needs assessments indicate priorities for strengthening relationships, supporting social-emotional learning and restorative practices, increasing academic support, meeting basic needs, and engaging families
The Rochester City School District (RCSD) is facing unprecedented mid-year reductions in education aid from New York State. These cuts surpass the losses faced by any other school district in Monroe County, and are among the highest of any school district in New York State. The state’s current approach to budget reductions disproportionately targets districts with the highest needs, undermines the purpose of New York State aid to local school districts, and bolsters institutional racism in our community.
The Children’s Agenda is deeply concerned that school closures are disproportionately harming our most vulnerable children. We believe schools need to reopen safely as soon as possible, but are concerned the politicization of the issue, and the lack of sufficient resources and clear guidelines for schools, is putting reopening—and children’s wellbeing—in jeopardy.
As the data in this report will demonstrate, the digital divide similarly has disproportionate impact on Rochester’s Hispanic/Latino communities. This report was originally written to inform immediate responses to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. It has been updated to reflect work that has been done to further close the divide. Information has also been added to inform long-term systemic changes to bridge the digital divide in substantial and sustainable ways.
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.
