Despite overwhelming evidence that infants and toddlers face unique, disproportionate harm from worsening weather, climate analysis, disaster response and city resilience efforts rarely place deliberate attention on the places where young children spend their time.
In a new report and interactive mapping tool released in March 2023, the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) finds that Family Child Care (FCC) providers – who offer licensed, quality care and education to thousands of young children in New York City – face unique risks from rising seas and intensifying flooding and rainfall. An estimated 2,172 (37.2% of all licensed FCCs citywide) operate from homes with directly accessible basement space. Mapping state child care licensing data in the context of projected long-term sea-level rise and stormwater flood scenarios suggests that 1,638 licensed FCC programs caring for 22,702 children in New York City face immediate risk of flood and water damage. By 2080, a flood mirroring what occurred in 2021, as a result of Hurricane Ida, would put nearly 80% of licensed FCCs at risk.
As part of Climate Week NYC, a panel of experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Low Income Investment Fund, Capita, and the New York City child care community will build on past research and experiences to consider ways the city can strengthen the institutions and individuals young children and families rely on in the face of worsening weather and climate change. Following an overview of LIIF’s report on flood risks in New York City, attendees will hear from a child care provider whose home and business was heavily damaged during Hurricane Ida. The Federal Reserve will connect this story to trends from interviews and focus groups it has led to assess the ways New Yorkers have experienced recent storms and flooding events. The panel will conclude with a discussion with the audience on the ways New York City can embed the unique needs of children and child-serving institutions in broad climate resilience planning.
Panelists:
Claire Kramer-Mills, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Yolanda Miguel, Wonderful Kids Child Daycare (East New York, Brooklyn)
Joe Fretwell, Low Income Investment Fund
Amy Shea, Low Income Investment Fund
Joe Waters, Capita (moderator)
Doors open at 3 PM. The panel discussion will start at 3:30 PM and end at 5 PM, followed by a reception until 6 PM.