Bill > S04214

This bill establishes a comprehensive family literacy grant program designed to help break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by supporting economically disadvantaged families living in poverty areas or attending low-performing public schools. The bill directs the commissioner of education to award competitive matching grants to eligible providers, such as school districts or boards of cooperative educational services partnering with public or private non-profit agencies, to implement family literacy programs. These programs must integrate interactive literacy activities between parents and children, provide parent education about supporting their children's learning, offer parent literacy preparation aimed at economic self-sufficiency, and include age-appropriate educational activities to prepare children for future success. Eligible families must have income at or below the poverty level and reside in specified areas. Grants will require a dollar-for-dollar match from providers, with funding covering expenses like instruction, materials, training, and program administration. The bill mandates that the commissioner submit an annual report to the governor and legislature evaluating these family literacy programs, with the first report due by March 15, 2029. The program aims to address literacy challenges by providing comprehensive support to help parents and children develop essential educational and life skills.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4214