NYS TARC Newsletter—March 2026
- NYS 21CCLC TARC
- Feb 20
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Jump to section: NYSED News/Updates
Updated Field Trip Guidance
Dear 21st CCLC21st CCLC Program Directors:
Starting 2/23/2026, all field trip requests need to be submitted via Survey Monkey Apply (SMA). This is the same platform for submitting program modifications and budget amendments. Any field trips requests already submitted to NYSED will be reviewed and processed as usual. There is no need to resubmit a field trip request already sent to NYSED.
Link to field trip form via SMA - https://nysed-expandedlearning-apply.smapply.io/prog/21st_cclc_field_trip_form
All field trip guidance documents can be accessed via the NYSED 21st CCLC website here - https://www.nysed.gov/student-support-services/21stcclc-laws-regulations-and-guidance
If you have any questions, please reach out to EMSC21STCCLC@nysed.gov. Be sure to include your project number and Lead Applicant name in the subject line.
Important Reminders from the NEW '25-'26 21st CCLC Timeline:
Perform Budget and Program Review and submit to NYSED via Survey Monkey. Apply any necessary Budget Amendments (FS10A, Budget Narrative, and MWBE documents) and/or Program Modification Requests.
Receive and review Local Evaluator’s Interim Report. Share information with stakeholders and integrate actionable findings and recommendations into the ongoing internal improvement cycle.
Participate in the required Program Directors’ Mid-Year Report. Submit responses to NYSED’s via Survey Monkey Apply (SMA) by February 27, 2026. This information is used by the NYSED Program Office to review program progress, and to select useful, summary findings available to all statewide stakeholders in the Program Directors’ Progress Brief.
Convene 3rd Advisory Board Meeting. Include all stakeholders. Topics might include review of program progress and achievement of interim goals/mid-year benchmarks, reflect on internal review of staff performance/participant engagement findings, and integrate evaluation findings into continuous improvement plans.
Afterschool21 Guidance
Missed the latest Afterschool21 office hours? You can find it on the 21st CCLC website under Resources > Evaluation: Afterschool21 Office Hours 1/28/26 Recording
GPRA activity categories for 21st CCLC programs are found here.
AS21 Training videos available. See linked here: Training – AfterSchool21 Help Center
PD/Events
March 4 Community Schools Advocacy Day (Albany, NY)
March 18 Afterschool Day of Action (Albany, NY)
April 16 ENL and Bilingual Teacher Leadership Consortium
The Teacher Leadership Consortium (TLC) launched in January 2025 as part of the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages’ commitment to advancing culturally responsive and sustaining education across New York State. Created in partnership with Susan Lafond of NYSUT, the TLC offers a meaningful forum for educators to engage directly with one another, elevate the voices of practitioners, and collaboratively address the complex realities facing multilingual learners. In a shifting political landscape, this educator-driven space affirms the importance of honoring students’ identities, experiences, and ways of knowing.
Since its launch, the TLC has taken up topics such as equitable assessment practices, using data to support rather than sort students, and broadening access to the New York State Seal of Biliteracy as a pathway that recognizes and celebrates the linguistic assets of English Language Learners.
Our most recent session centered on Culturally Responsive Holidays, a timely opportunity to examine how classroom practices can either sustain or silence students’ cultural identities. Educators explored the differences between assimilation and acculturation, and affirmed pluralism as a core principle that guides us to embrace, not merely accommodate, the full diversity of our classrooms. By intentionally learning from students and positioning their cultural knowledge as a resource, educators strengthen relationships, cultivate belonging, and enrich learning for all.
The session concluded with the collaborative creation of a Padlet filled with shared resources, providing teachers with practical tools to design holiday experiences that reflect, respect, and sustain the cultures of every learner.
April 29 - May 1 Empower Youth Success 2026 (NYS Network for Youth Success Annual Conference)
Registration is Now Open!
This is THE event for education professionals to push the boundaries and create high-quality expanded learning and development opportunities that support New York’s youth. Join us for one or more days of innovative learning, engagement, networking, and fun with the New York State Network for Youth Success!
Find more details and information on our website: https://networkforyouthsuccess.org/annual-conference/registration/
Register Now - https://networkforyouthsuccess.org/annual-conference/
April 30 21stCCLC Spring Conference (Day 2 of the Empower Youth Success 2026 Conference)
Register Now - https://networkforyouthsuccess.org/annual-conference/
On-Going Offering: Self-Paced Professional Development on Change Up Learning
We're happy to remind you that 21C subgrantees have access to a number of free, self-paced courses through our partnership with Change Up Learning! Each course takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete, offers a Certificate of Completion (with SACC credits), and features resources you can utilize at your site.
With over 50 topics and a growing library, consider one of these areas relevant to your role:
Youth Development: Ages + Stages: Child + Youth Development; Boosting Engagement & Belonging; Equitable and Inclusive Approaches to SEL
Curriculum and Lesson Planning: Curriculum + Lesson Plans; Culturally Responsive Practice; Educational and Fun Project-Based Learning
Leadership and Staff Development: Communication for Managers; Activating Leadership Skills; Effective Program Management
Equity and Inclusion: Introduction to Equity and Inclusion; Antiracism in Organizations; Understanding LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Get started today!
If you’re based in NYC, activate your account here.
If you’re based in the rest of NY state, activate your account here.
Resources
Office of Early Learning Winter 2026 UPK Newsletter Now Available
NYSED Literacy Resources Flyer
Emergent Multilingual Learner (EML) and Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) Education Framework Resources Available for PreKindergarten
New York State Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students (Updated December 2025)
Office of Special Education Winter Newsletter Release
The Office of Special Education (OSE) is happy to announce the publication of its Winter newsletter. Designed specifically to keep parents and educators informed, empowered, and connected, OSE Newsletters include:
timely updates on policy and programs to support students with disabilities;
strategic resources to support district planning and leadership;
notice of key events, training, and other opportunities; and
updates on statewide education efforts that impact students with disabilities.
New subscribers are encouraged to register to receive updates from the Office of Special Education.
Should you have questions, please contact SPECED@nysed.gov.
Office of Early Learning Winter 2026 UPK Newsletter Now Available
The Office of Early Learning has released the Winter UPK Newsletter.
This issue includes:
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPK Funding News
2025-2026 Child Counts Reporting Guidance
Science of Reading Course from New York State United Teachers
Classroom Highlights: Buffalo CSD and Clarkstown CSD
To subscribe, please join the UPK Newsletter email list.
Questions may be directed to OEL@nysed.gov.
NYSED Literacy Resources Flyer
The New York State Education Department has released a Literacy Resources Flyer to compile recent literacy resource links into one document.
This flyer includes literacy resources from the Offices of Early Learning, Bilingual Education & World Languages, and Standards and Instruction.
Resources in the flyer include:
Science of Reading Literacy Briefs
Prekindergarten-3rd Grade Literacy and Writing Instructional Best Practices Guides
K-3 Literacy Curriculum Review Guide
Science of Reading for ELLs and MLs Literacy Briefs
Questions may be directed to the Office of Standards and Instruction at P12StandardsInstruction@nysed.gov.
Emergent Multilingual Learner (EML) and Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) Education Framework Resources Available for PreKindergarten
The Office of Early Learning would like to remind districts of the following EML and CR-S early learning resources available from NYSED:
Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework for PreK: Practical guidance for implementing culturally responsive teaching practices in prekindergarten.
EMLs in Prekindergarten Programs Webpage: This webpage contains guidance, program supports, and links to support EMLs in prekindergarten.
Supporting Emergent Multilingual Learners Webinar: This recorded webinar focuses on best practices for supporting EMLs in prekindergarten classrooms.
Please reach out to the Office of Early Learning with any questions at OEL@nysed.gov.
New York State Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students (Updated December 2025)
The New York State Office of the Attorney General (OAG), New York State Education Department (NYSED), and the Governor’s Office have updated joint guidance to reaffirm school districts’ obligations under state and federal law and to support schools as a safe haven where all students are welcomed and provided a free public education.
The guidance addresses:
enrollment and registration requirements;
collecting student information and accessing student records (FERPA);
law enforcement detention, interrogation, or removal of students from school property (including on school transportation);
bullying and harassment;
supporting students whose family members may be detained or deported; and
an appendix of resources.
Key reminders include that districts may not deny or discourage enrollment based on immigration status (or that of a parent/guardian), may not request Social Security numbers or other information that would reveal immigration status during enrollment, and must immediately enroll migrant and unhoused students even when typical documentation is not available.
Districts are encouraged to review directory information policies and FERPA notices, and to follow the guidance’s protocols for responding to law enforcement requests for student access or student information (including elevating requests to district leadership and counsel and notifying parents/guardians unless specifically prohibited).
Please find the guidance and translated versions at New York State Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students.
Questions may be directed to the OAG Civil Rights Bureau at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov.
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Program Spotlights
Rest-of-State TARC Visits Schenectady CSD
On January 28, 2026, the Rest of State TARC visited Schenectady CSD to see students actively learning, growing, and thriving through the 21st CCLC program. During the visit, elementary students were busy strengthening their fine motor skills by building towers with connecting blocks, while freshmen stayed active and engaged in physical fitness activities in the weight room. Students also took part in small-group tutoring with program staff, using the same curriculum from the school day to help reinforce learning and support academic success. Overall, the program provides a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where students can continue learning and growing beyond the school day. It was a pleasure to visit and see firsthand the great work being done in Schenectady’s 21st CCLC program.
Music Appreciation at 8109 Queens Community House
Our young adults are doing amazing work at 8109 Queens Community House as part of the Music Appreciation class. This course offers hands-on learning through instrument exploration, music practice, and cultural appreciation.
Many of these young adults are learning to play an instrument for the very first time and have even begun hosting performances for their peers; an incredible milestone and testament to their growth and confidence.
To be featured in an upcoming newsletter, submit your stories and photos here.
Evaluators' Corner
It’s Time to Get Ready for the Spring 2026 Teacher Survey Administration
Survey links will be emailed to day school teachers of students in grades 1 through 5 beginning Monday, May 4.
March 18 - Attend the NYSED/Afterschool 21 joint Teacher Survey Training session online.
By April 14 – enter in AS21 the day school teacher names and email addresses for all 21CCLC participants in grades 1 through 5.
Promote the Teacher Survey with school staff and administrators!
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