As the New York City Department of Education resumes in-person schooling this fall, most schools and early childhood programs will operate on a blended learning model. This means that each week, students will have some school days in person, and some school days remotely. Learning Bridges is a new program that will provide free child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grade on days when they are scheduled for remote learning.
How to Apply
- If you are interested in the Learning Bridges program, please complete this application(Open external link)
- Need help completing the online application? Call 311 for assistance.
- If you already filled out the expression of interest form, you do not need to complete another application.
Programming and Safety
The Learning Bridges programs will:
- Be operated by community-based organizations and other partners
- Provide opportunities for children to connect to their remote learning activities
- Include time for art, recreation, and other age-appropriate activities
- Follow the same rigorous health and safety precautions as schools
Eligibility and Enrollment
Learning Bridges is open to 3-K through 8th grade students enrolled in a DOE school or contracted early childhood program. This includes District 75, 4410 programs, 853 programs, contracted 3-K, Pre-K, and EarlyLearn programs, and DOE elementary and middle schools.
Currently, Learning Bridges is not available for families that have opted for a 100% remote schedule.
Priority for placement will be given to:
- Families in temporary housing, including shelters and hotels
- Children of NYCDOE school and program staff, including staff of Learning Bridges sites and other contracted early childhood providers
- Families residing in NYCHA developments
- Children in family foster care or receiving other child welfare services
- Students with disabilities
- Children whose parent/guardian is an essential worker or was previously enrolled in a Regional Enrichment Center (REC)
Learning Bridges sites will be paired with DOE schools and contracted early childhood programs so that students will be interacting with a similar cohort of students even between sites.
Where placements are available, families will receive a letter from the DOE detailing their Learning Bridges site and next steps to enroll their child. Seats will continue to be added throughout the fall on a rolling basis.
