Education & Human Services News January 20, 2020
Census Council Created to Ensure Accurate Count
Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced the creation of the Census Council, which will be co-chaired by Martin Luther King III, Lucy Liu and Lin-Manuel Miranda, to ensure every New Yorker is counted in the upcoming 2020 census. The Council will act as the state’s coordinating arm using information learned from the state’s Complete Count Commission and support from state, local and foundation funding resources. The Governor will also propose an additional $10 million in this year’s budget to ensure a fair and complete count of every New Yorker in the census.
More Than 3,600 Adopted New Yorkers File for Birth Certificates
Governor Cuomo announced that more than 3,600 adoptees outside of New York City aged 18 or older have filed applications since January 15, 2020, to receive a certified copy of their original, or pre-adoption, birth certificate. Governor Cuomo signed the historic bill last year after advocates fought to gain access to their pre-adoption, birth certificates for years. Earlier this month, the State rolled out a website to help adult adoptees gain access to their birth certificates. Adoptees born in NYC must apply through the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Agreement Reached on LI School Monitors
The Governor and lawmakers have reached an agreement on legislation to install outside monitors at Hempstead and Wyandanch school districts. The Legislature will be moving new bills (A.9079 and A.9080) this week.
OCFS Releases Informational Letter Regarding Background Checks
On January 13, 2020, the New York State Office of Children & Family Services issued an informational letter to provide options for licensed, registered, and enrolled child care providers to continue to allow persons to provide uninterrupted services to children in a child day care setting. According to the letter, recent regulatory changes to licensing, registration, or enrollment rules for child care providers have highlighted background check requirements for child care programs and exposed a concern regarding background checks for these outside service providers.
$3.4 Million Awarded as Part of New York’s Workforce Development Initiative
Last week, Governor Cuomo announced that 61 New York State businesses, community colleges, and community-based organizations will receive funding for workforce development totaling $3.4 million as part of the State’s $175 million Workforce Development Initiative. According to the press release, professional training is expected to provide 2,464 New Yorkers with in-demand skills. Grant funds are provided by the Department of Labor, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the State University of New York (SUNY). Since launching in May 2019, nearly $6.5 million has been awarded through the Workforce Development Initiative.
OASAS Announces Funding to Expand the “Triple P” Positive Parenting Program
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports announced the availability of up to $900,000 in funding for prevention providers to expand the “Triple P” Positive Parenting Program, an evidence-based practice shown to reduce risky behaviors among youth. Up to nine awards of a maximum of $100,000 each will be issued through a request for applications (RFA) process overseen by OASAS. Funding for this initiative is being provided through the federal State Opioid Response Grant. Existing OASAS-funded substance use prevention providers that are in good standing and have (or will establish for this project) formal relationships with a community-based provider to support the delivery of Triple P in community-based settings are eligible to apply.
Legislature Holds Pre-Budget Briefing on Kinship Foster Care
On Monday, January 6, 2020, the Senate and Assembly held a pre-budget briefing to discuss the implementation of the federal Family First Act and its impact on kinship care in NYS. Currently, the Family First Prevention Services Act alters the State criteria required for Title IV federal childcare funding, placing an emphasis on the need for more family-based care. Discussion focused on the need for more prevention services to keep families together, better information for birth and kinship families, and more services to connect foster youth with kinsghip caregivers. Members of the legislature vowed to support these services in the upcoming budget.
USDA Announces School and Summer Meals Reforms
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced two proposals that will be open for public comment for 60 days through www.Regulations.gov: The school meals proposed rule would continue to ensure children receive wholesome, tasty meals that provide the nutrition they need to grow and thrive, while offering increased flexibilities for local school districts to serve children food they will want to eat. USDA also proposed another rule with customer-focused reforms to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which serves more than 2.6 million children during the summer months, when they are at higher risk of food insecurity and poor nutrition because they do not have access to school meals. The summer feeding rule offers operators more local control to better serve children.
SED Updates
- State Ed Releases Graduation Rates. The State Education Department released graduation rates for the 2015 cohort, which reflects students who first entered 9th grade in New York’s public schools in 2015. The overall August graduation rate increased slightly to 83.4 percent, up 0.8 percentage points from 82.6 percent for the 2014 cohort.
- Regional Information Meetings Annouced to Discuss Graduation Measures. The Board of Regents and State Education Department announced the first regional information meetings being hosted across the state to gather feedback on what a State high school diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for every student in New York State. At least one meeting will be held in each judicial district through April 2020. The meetings will be led by the local Board of Regents Member, the BOCES District Superintendent or Big Five district staff. The meetings will include the opportunity for attendees to break out into small groups to discuss and provide feedback on each of five guiding questions. Click here for the schedule
- Submittal of 2020 Building Condition Survey. Each BOCES and public school district that has been assigned to complete a Building Condition Survey for all normally occupied buildings in calendar year 2020 must submit the survey data electronically in the SED Monitoring and Vendor Performance System (SED Monitoring), which may be accessed at: http://portal.nysed.gov.
- Tax Cap Change/BOCES Capital. The Department of Tax and Finance has implemented new regulations that include certain capital expenditures made by BOCES in the capital exclusion calculation made under the tax levy limit law. ALL districts that shared BOCES Capital Expenditures in 2019-20 MUST re-open their 2019-10 Tax Cap form on the OSC website and add those expenditures into the projected 2019-20 Local Capital Expenditures, even districts which are components of BOCES that do not plan to undertake new capital expenditures in 2020-21. NO other changes should be made to any of the data in the 2019-20 form without the prior approval of OSC. Once the revised 2019-20 form is submitted to OSC, the online system will carry over the new total capital tax levy to the 2020-21 Tax Cap form to begin the calculation of the coming year’s Tax Levy Limit.
NYS Board of Regents Vacancies. Applications due by January 21st for one representative from Kings County; one representative from Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Warren or Washington County; one representative from Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans or Wyoming County; one representative from Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland or Westchester County; one representative from Nassau or Suffolk County; and one At-Large representative. Positions are non-paid and held for a five year term. A public interview process in Albany is required. The applicant must be a resident of New York State and, where applicable, one of the above-listed counties
Legislative Spotlight
The following bills passed the Assembly:
- Criteria for Graduate-Level Teacher and Educational Leader Programs. 2405 Glick – S.7118 Sanders. This bill provides higher education institutions with more discretion through the expansion of criteria to be used when considering whether or not to admit a student into graduate-level teacher and educational leader programs.
The following bills passed the Senate:
- College or University Provided Polling Place. 4378 Parker – A.5661 Rozic. This bill provides that election districts shall not be drawn partly on or off a college campus. It also requires a polling location on the grounds of the college or university when there are 300 registered voters or more on the campus.
- Chapter Amendments
- Report Regarding Homeless Veterans. 6938 Parker – A.8969 Rozic. Chapter amendment to Chapter 487 of the Laws of 2019 relating to the preparation and submission of a report regarding homeless persons who are veterans in the state of New York.
- Definition of Research Tobacco Product. 6946 Rivera – No Same as. Chapter amendment to Chapter 728 of the Laws of 2019 relating to the definition of research tobacco product.
- Indicated Reports of Child Maltreatment. S.6951 Montgomery- A.8997 Richardson. Chapter amendment to Chapter 732 of the Laws of 2019 relating to notice of indicated reports of child maltreatment and changes of placement in child protective and voluntary foster care placement and review proceedings.
New York State Register
January 15, 2020
- Limits on Administrative Expenses and Executive Compensation. The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services issued a notice of adoption to define limits on administrative expenses and executive compensation in accordance with State law and Executive Order 38.
- Annual Professional Performance Reviews. The State Education Department issued a notice of expiration.
January 8, 2020
- Residential and Non-Residential Services to Victims of Domestic Violence. The Office of Children and Family Services issued a notice of revised rule making to conform existing regulations to State and Federal laws regarding services to victims of domestic violence.
- Limitations on Operating Costs for Purposes of State Financial Assistance. The State University of New York issued a notice of proposed rule making to determine how state appropriated reimbursement for rental costs for physical space will be distributed to community colleges.
Funding Opportunities
The New York State (NYS) Hazard Abatement Board (HAB) awards grants for programs that provide occupational safety and health training for public entities, private businesses, labor organizations, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and trade associations. Eligible programs must train and educate workers, supervisors and/or businesses and must promote workplace accident and injury prevention.
January 24, 2020
Community Based Residential Program
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) invites applications from not-for-profit and for-profit providers for the development and operation of Community Based Residential Programs (CBRP) for individuals under Community Supervision. The CBRP is a housing initiative to assist parolees under the jurisdiction of DOCCS to attain stability in the community while providing for individual case needs and community safety.
Due January 30, 2020
NYGEAR UP Year 7: College Success
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation is looking to provide services to assist NYGEAR UP students in their first year in higher education such that they can succeed in school. Services provided by NYGEAR UP through this RFP should not, to the maximum extent possible, duplicate services otherwise offered to these students but supplement and enhance them. It is critical that projects coordinate with campus programs, including academic support services for the best effect.
Due January 31, 2020
Creating Healthy Schools and Communities – Component A
The New York State Department of Health seeks applications from organizations to implement a comprehensive, community-based participatory approach to increasing opportunities for physical activity and improved nutrition for people across the age span. Funded organizations will establish and expand local public health efforts to readily implement evidence-based physical activity and nutrition strategies that build on existing community assets and coalitions, allowing for the flexibility to tailor interventions that meet the unique needs of communities, and leverage resources from multiple stakeholders and sectors (e.g. early child care, local government, faith-based, business and industry, community recreation and parks, mass media, transportation, community planning and design, and education) in high-need communities of New York State (NYS).
Due February 4, 2020
The New York State Department of Health (Department), Bureau of Community Chronic Disease Prevention (BCCDP), State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program seeks applications from organizations to serve as a Physical Activity and Nutrition Center of Excellence (PANCE) to support Component A grantees. The funded applicant will provide subject matter expertise, training, technical assistance, and resource support, conduct needs assessments of Component A grantees, and facilitate the CoP for grantees to support achievement of work plan activities.
Due February 4, 2020
Capital Awards for Crisis Residential Programs for Children and Adults
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announces the availability of capital funds for the acquisition of new property, construction of new facilities and/or the rehabilitation of existing buildings for purposes of developing licensed Residential Crisis Support, Intensive Crisis Residence, and/or Children’s Crisis Residence programs in accordance with 14 NYCRR Part 589.
Due February 5, 2020
NY State Office for New Americans Immigrant Community Navigator Program
Low-income new American communities in New York State often lack reliable information regarding workforce development opportunities and other opportunities open to all New Yorkers to fully participate in our State’s civic and economic life. Dedicated outreach and community welcoming efforts are needed to help low-income immigrants gain access to the same opportunities available to all others in the State and country. To address this need, the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) is seeking local leadership to coordinate and conduct outreach to low-income immigrant communities, and to create a grassroots network of ONA Immigrant Community Navigators to help low-income new Americans.
Due February 6, 2020
Advanced Course Access (ACA) Program
The NYS Education Department is looking to increase equity in access to advanced courses, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual-credit courses, for high school students who currently have very limited or no access to advanced courses, through online learning, distance learning, or other evidence-based methods. Eligible applicants include Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)-led consortium and the Big 5 public school districts (New York City, Yonkers, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo).
Due February 11, 2020
Residential Services for Individuals Who Are Legally Blind
The New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) announces a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) for qualified organizations that currently provide a residential services program for individuals who are legally blind (hereafter also referred to as a participant) which develop and expand the participant’s abilities that will assist them in achieving self-reliance and independence in both daily life and the workplace.
Due February 18, 2020
Travel Training Curriculum for Individuals with Disabilities
The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) is announcing availability of grant funds to fund one grantee up to $300,000 ($150,000 per year) to develop and implement a regional travel training curriculum for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to learn how to most effectively use the transportation resources in their communities.
Due February 21, 2020
Regional Immigration Assistance Centers (2nd Round)
The New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) announces the availability of funds and solicits proposal from New York State counties to support a network of Regional Immigration Assistance Centers aimed at improving the quality of indigent legal services to noncitizen clients.
Due February 25, 2020
Second Regional Immigration Assistance Centers
The intent of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to support regional initiatives aimed at improving the quality of indigent legal services to noncitizen clients. Ensuring the right to effective representation of counsel is essential to establishing an efficient and effective justice system. This RFP provides funding to support the implementation of a network of Regional Immigration Assistance Centers.
Due February 25, 2020
Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC)
This program is designed to boost safety and security at New York’s nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. In support of this effort, $25 million has been made available through this competitive grant program to eligible nonpublic nonprofit schools, nonprofit day care centers, nonprofit community centers, nonprofit cultural museums, and nonprofit residential camps as described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code which demonstrate a risk of a hate crime due to their ideology, beliefs or mission. Applications will be accepted for up to $50,000 per facility. Eligible organizations may submit up to five applications for a maximum total request of $250,000 or a combination of both.
Due February 27, 2020
Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes with Local Matching Funds (SCAHC Match Program)
This program is designed to boost safety and security at New York’s nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. In support of this effort, $20 million in grant funding has been made available through this competitive grant program to eligible nonpublic nonprofit schools, and nonprofit day camps as described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code which demonstrate a risk of a hate crime due to their ideology, beliefs or mission. This program includes a cost match requirement. The applicant must coordinate and partner with local governments (e.g. counties, towns, villages, cities, etc.) to meet the cost match requirement. All applications must have a 3:1 ratio of State to local funding for total project costs. Cost match contributions may be in-kind contributions, cash contributions or a combination of both.
Due February 27, 2020
RFP # 1011 Kinship Caregiver Program
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) announces this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified applicants to support kinship caregivers, also referred to as non-parent caregivers. These Kinship Caregiver Programs will serve families with informal or legal custody of a child(ren) between the ages of 0-18 in at least two (2) or more counties of New York State (NYS). See RFP Section 5.3 Key Concepts for additional information. For the purpose of awards made from this Request for Proposal, OCFS will view each NYC borough as a county. Program services must include case management and referral, support groups, education, family engagement and maintenance, and family preservation.
Due February 28, 2020
New York City Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities
New York City Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities (Pre-ETS for SWD) – Provision of Pre-ETS to New York City students with disabilities (between the ages of 14 and 21) who need such services and are potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Due March 13, 2020
Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG- 2) Request for Applications (RFA)
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is making up to $3.7 million in funding available to increase employment opportunities for approximately 800 apprentices with a focus on underrepresented populations. These apprentices will enter into trades in high-demand occupations, with a focus on the emerging fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Information Technology, as well as other in-demand occupations. Please note that this solicitation focuses on promoting the expansion of NYS RAs and as such, RAs in the field of construction are not eligible for funding under this RFA unless the trade is to be used for the upkeep and maintenance of a facility owned by the business entity employing the apprentice, such as plant maintenance trades.
Due April 30, 2020
P-12 Schools: Green and Clean Energy Solutions Program
The P-12 Schools Initiative encourages schools to lower energy use and utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the leading contributor to climate change. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis dependent on resource availability until December 31, 2022.
Coming Up
Board of Regents Meetings
- February 10 – 11 (Monday and Tuesday)
- March 2 – 3 (Monday and Tuesday)
NYSED State Board Meetings
- Social Work: February 12, 2020 (New York City, Albany and Rochester, via video)
- Peer Review Oversight Committee: January 29, 2020 (Albany)
- Dentistry: January 24, 2020 (New York City)
- Podiatry: January 23, 2020 (New York City)
- Public Accountancy: January 20, 2020 (Albany, New York and Buffalo, via video)
Legislative Hearings
- Flooding Emergency and Mitigation Efforts. The Legislative Commission on Rural Resources will hold a public hearing on January 28, 2020 in Albany to examine the effectiveness of current flooding emergency and mitigation efforts, and to discuss the need for future assistance due to the increase in extreme weather events