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COMPASS After-School: September Frequently Asked Questions!

What is COMPASS?

COMPASS is New York City’s free afterschool program for students in grades K–12. Programs offer homework help, arts, sports, STEAM, leadership activities, and safe spaces for young people to learn and grow. Funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), these programs are offered by DYCD-contracted Community Based Organizations (also known as providers or a CBO) and registered with a School Age Child Care (SACC) license by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 

Enrollment & Access

How do I apply for COMPASS? 

Families can apply through: 

  • The local COMPASS provider at your school 
  • Your school’s main office 
  • discoverDYCD.nyc (once Fall 2026 programs are posted) 

You will receive enrollment instructions from your school or provider before the start date. 


Is COMPASS free? 

Yes. COMPASS is free for all families.  


Program Start Up & First Day 

When do COMPASS programs start? 

Programs in public schools are expected to start on Monday, September 14, 2026. As in prior years, at some schools, programs may start with a “soft launch,” meaning programs will begin with limited activities or grades while staff finalize schedules and safety requirements. 

What happens if my child’s program cannot start on 9/14/2026? 

If a program needs more time: 

  • Families will receive a clear notice from the provider or school 
  • A new start date will be shared 
  • Programs may begin with a phased start, opening certain grades or activities first 
  • DYCD and NYCPS will support the provider to meet all safety and staffing requirements quickly 


Will my child lose their spot if there is a delay? 

No. Enrollment stays in place even if the program needs extra time to open. 


What happens on the first day of program? 

On the first day, families can expect: 

  • A safe check in process 
  • Staff introductions 
  • A simple schedule with welcoming activities
  • Light enrichment (arts, games, community building) 
  • Information sent home about weekly routines and contacts 
  • Snack or hot meal 


Program Expectations 

What will my child do in COMPASS? 

Programs offer: 

  • Homework help and academic support 
  • Arts, sports, and recreation 
  • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities 
  • Social‑emotional learning 
  • Leadership and teamwork 
  • Family engagement events 


What if staffing or SACC registration is still being finalized? 

Programs can still offer safe, supervised activities while final approvals are completed. These may include: 

  • Classroom‑based enrichment 
  • Arts and crafts 
  • Group games 
  • Homework time 
  • Community‑building circles 

Full program schedules begin once staffing and SACC registration are complete. 


Program Quality & Safety 

How does DYCD make sure programs are ready? 

DYCD works with providers and schools to ensure: 

  • Staff are fully cleared 
  • Safety plans are approved 
  • Classrooms and materials are ready 
  • Schedules meet COMPASS standards
  • Families receive timely updates 


How will I get updates? 

Families will receive updates through: 

  • Flyers and emails from the provider 
  • School messages 
  • Phone calls or texts 
  • discoverDYCD postings 
  • School and CBO websites 


Communication & Points of Contact 

Who should I contact with questions? 

Families can reach out in the following order: 

Local Contacts 

  • Afterschool program site director and staff 
  • School main office 
  • Parent coordinator or community school director 

Community Level Contacts 

  • CBO leadership supporting your school 
  • School administrators (AP, principal) 

Citywide Contacts