Cambridge committee reviews out-of-school-time expansion study, highlights inclusion and staffing gaps

The Cambridge Human Services and Veterans Committee on Wednesday reviewed the city’s out‑of‑school time (OST) expansion study and heard updates from Department of Human Services staff and the Agenda for Children on enrollment, inclusion supports and next steps for expanding access.

The committee heard that the DHSP lottery placed 1,528 children from 1,843 applicants this year, with nearly 90% of applicants receiving an offer and 80% receiving their first choice; the department said the lottery prioritized low‑income families and that offer rates for low‑income applicants were about 93%. Committee members and presenters emphasized progress since the expansion study was released in May while identifying remaining barriers: recruiting and retaining staff for one‑to‑one supports, finishing assessments for children with higher special‑education needs, and negotiating more consistent space‑sharing agreements with schools and community providers.

Why it matters: After‑school seats provide childcare stability that supports family employment, student attendance and social‑emotional learning, presenters and councilors said. The committee framed the expansion work as a system change effort that requires coordination across the Department of Human Services (DHSP), Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), and community providers coordinated by the Agenda for Children.

Michelle Farnham, assistant director for children, youth and families at the Department of Human Services, said the lottery “is accomplishing what we…