Is there a charge for participation?
There is no charge to enroll or participate in a Beacon.
Does my child have to attend school at the Beacon home school in order to become a Beacon participant?
No. Anyone can enroll and participate at any Beacon.
Does my child have to live in the same area as the Beacon in order to become a Beacon participant?
No. Anyone can enroll and participate at any Beacon.
What paperwork does my child need to enroll?
Each participant must complete an enrollment form with name, address, phone number, and emergency contact number as well as parent or guardian information and consent.
Is the alien/legal status of a child and/or parent required to enroll?
No. The Beacon program does not ask alien/legal status of child and/or parent.
What is the age range for participation?
The minimum age for Beacon participation is 6 years old. There is no upper age limit.
Will the Beacon hold the child (even after the after-school portion) until the parent can pick them up after work?
Arrangements vary from Beacon to Beacon. It is recommended that you to check with the particular Beacon to see what their specific procedures are.
Is there a Beacon school in my area?
There are 80 Beacon after-school Community
Centers located throughout all five boroughs. Find a Beacon by borough and ZIP code. For additional information, contact the Beacon Unit at 212-788-6754.
Can I get a list of all of your Beacon site locations?
Get a list of all Beacon site
locations.
How do I find a job working for a Beacon?
Please contact the Beacon Community Center
directly.
How do I find a volunteer position at a Beacon?
Please contact
the Beacon Community Center directly.
I would like to have a Beacon program in my existing organization (in a church or in a children's day care) what should I do?
Beacons have been established as fixed locations at public schools with an objective to be the hub of community development.
Where I can find an Out-of-School-Time program for children with disabilities?
All of our programs are designed to include children with disabilities and are ADA compliant.
Do Beacon agencies provide transportation?
No.
Where can I find a day care program or an afternoon program for my child that is under 6 years old?
Beacons provide for services to youth and children ages 6 and up. For services for younger children, contact New York City 311 or Youth Line at 1-800-246-4646.
Where can I find programs in my area that offer GED instruction?
Contact the New York City 311 Call Center or Youth Line at 1-800-246-4646 or contact the DYCD Literacy Unit at 212-442-6026.
How is a Beacon started?
The Beacon locations are fixed. Community-based organizations interested in contracting opportunities, visit
the contracting opportunities page or contact DYCD's Agency Chief Contract Officer at 212-676-0452.
How are Beacons funded?
Beacons are funded through City tax levy dollars, state children and family services dollars, and federal community development block grant dollars.
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