Where can I sign up and study for my High School Equivalency Test (formerly known as the GED)?
People take many paths through school and life. If your path has taken you away from a traditional high school diploma, you can still get access to a wide range of jobs or apply to colleges. If you’re a New Yorker over 16 and don’t have a high school diploma, you can earn your high school equivalency (HSE) with the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). Taking the TASC is free if you live in NYC. Many free prep classes and materials are available to help you get ready. Visit this website for more information on different ways to finish high school and additional options for those 21 years and older.
I am a (parent/foster parent/other caretaker) and have a question about a child protective investigation, prevention case, or foster care case - what do I do?
Please contact your Child Protective Specialist or agency case planner, and their supervision team if needed.
The ACS Office of Advocacy are available to assist you by phone and email.
Helpline - (212) 676-9421
Incarcerated parents may call collet - (212) 341-3322
Teletype for the hearing impaired - (212) 442-1447
The Office of Advocacy provides information and responds to the concerns of parents, youth, foster parents, and others affected by the child welfare system, juvenile justice system, and other ACS services. It also answers questions from the general public. All contact with the Office of Advocacy is confidential unless there are safety issues, especially those safety issues concerning a child.
What do I do if I need child care assistance right now?
For infants and toddlers: EarlyLearn programs provide free or low-cost child care and education for children six weeks to two years old for eligible families. There are hundreds of programs in New York City that offer safe and positive learning environments for children. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply. Child care options include:
Infant and Toddler programs for children aged six weeks to two years. These take place in centers or homes for up to 10 hours a day.
Early Head Start programs for pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers. These provide services for at least eight hours a day.
If you qualify and there is a seat available, your child can begin a program anytime during the year.
Eligibility is based on your family’s income, size, and needs.
Families may need to pay some of the cost of child care if they do not get Cash Assistance, are not in foster care, or are not homeless.
School-aged children: For families with kids in 3-K to high school, visit the NYC MySchools website for school options. Get started by creating an account, then explore your children’s personalized school options and get guidance on the admissions process from start to finish.
Afterschool programs: There are more than 900 programs serving K-12 students throughout NYC. To find an after-school program, visit the Department of Youth and Community Development website. Through the Comprehensive After-School System of NYC (COMPASS NYC), programs are free and are located in schools, community centers, religious institutions, public housing and recreational facilities throughout NYC. Call DYCD Youth Connect at 1-800-246-4646.
Do you have other questions about school, youth, and children not answered here? If so, call the CJA Helpline (646-213-2683, press 4) to talk to an Outreach Member and see if you can get the answer to your question.