This brief presents results of a qualitative study of New York City’s Outreach and Enrollment Initiative (OEI). The OEI aims to help families facing barriers to accessing publicly funded early care and education (ECE) programs identify and enroll in programs that meet their family’s needs and have open seats. These barriers include a lack of familiarity with publicly funded ECE programs, housing instability, informal employment, and speaking a language other than English. During the study period, the OEI was implemented by 19 community-based organizations (CBOs) and managed by the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. Using structured interviews with CBO staff and parents, the study examined the experiences of parents who were served by the OEI, the intensive supports they received, the role of CBOs in assisting families, and the support provided by OEI managers. Recommendations highlight the need for expanded assistance for parents facing barriers to ECE enrollment and particular features of the OEI, including the use of CBOs to deliver assistance, that helped the initiative reach and effectively serve families who had been previously been unable to access ECE for their children.
New York City’s Outreach and Enrollment Initiative (OEI) Helps Families Overcome Access Barriers to Early Care and Education
- Post author National Center for Children in Poverty
- Project Strengthening Families' Access to NYC Early Care & Education Programs that Meet Families' Needs;
- Publication Type
- Post date October 26, 2026