Description: The Harlem Children's Zone Beacon programs turn school buildings into community centers, offering programs during the afternoon, evening and weekend. They offer programs for youth and adults – from education to the arts to recreation. Each summer, they offer all-day camp so children have a safe, enriching place to spend their time instead of hanging out on the street. Like our Harlem Children's Zone Project, the Beacons also have a holistic "whatever it takes" approach to meeting the needs of the surrounding community. Services are provided free to the public.
The Booker T. Washington Beacon program is located in MS 54 on West 107th Street. In 2007 it served 1,500 residents, including 1,100 young people. It serves elementary- and middle-school students and brings the local community together through special events.
In addition to its wide range of education, arts and recreation programs, the program has been busy building out its Moving Forward program, which targets young men and women who are no longer in school, but not fully employed. Moving Forward works with young people so they can obtain a high-school equivalency degree and then go on to a vocational school or other higher-learning institutions.
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Date | Type | Regulations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-28 | No Approved Director | No Approved Director | 2026-I-NYCDOH-025976 |
| Brief Description: Violations Found | |||
| 2026-04-28 | Violation | 414.11(b)(1) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider: | |||
| 2026-04-28 | Violation | 414.11(b)(1)(i) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider: at the time of initial school age child care program application; | |||
| 2026-04-28 | Violation | 414.11(b)(1)(ii) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider: before such person has any involvement in child care work. | |||
| 2026-04-28 | Violation | 414.13(b)(6) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: School-age child care programs must review and evaluate the backgrounds of all applicants for staff and volunteer positions. All applicants whose backgrounds must be reviewed must be required to provide the following: The information necessary to complete the criminal history review and background clearance requirements as outlined in this Part. This information must be submitted to the Office on forms provided by the Office. | |||
| 2026-04-28 | Violation | 414.14(l) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: CPR and first aid certifications must be appropriate to the ages of the children in care. All certifications in CPR and first aid must contain an in-person competency component. | |||
| 2026-04-28 | Violation | 414.15(b)(23) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Upon termination or resignation of the director: | |||
| 2026-04-28 | Violation | 414.15(b)(23)(iv) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Upon termination or resignation of the director: An approved, permanent director must be on-site, performing the duties of the position, within ninety days. | |||
| 2026-02-25 | Annual Unannounced | Annual Unannounced | 2026-I-NYCDOH-002715 |
| Brief Description: Violations Found | |||
| 2026-02-25 | No Approved Director | No Approved Director | 2025-I-NYCDOH-116140 |
| Brief Description: Violations Found | |||
| 2026-02-25 | Violation | 414.11(b)(1) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider: | |||
| 2026-02-25 | Violation | 414.11(b)(1)(i) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider: at the time of initial school age child care program application; | |||
| 2026-02-25 | Violation | 414.11(b)(1)(ii) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider: before such person has any involvement in child care work. | |||
| 2026-02-25 | Violation | 414.11(b)(6) | Corrected |
| Brief Description: The initial medical statement for staff and volunteers must include the results of a Mantoux tuberculin test or other federally approved tuberculin test performed within the 12 months preceding the date of the application. | |||
| 2026-02-25 | Violation | 414.13(b)(6) | Not Corrected |
| Brief Description: School-age child care programs must review and evaluate the backgrounds of all applicants for staff and volunteer positions. All applicants whose backgrounds must be reviewed must be required to provide the following: The information necessary to complete the criminal history review and background clearance requirements as outlined in this Part. This information must be submitted to the Office on forms provided by the Office. | |||
If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
Be the first to review this childcare provider. Write a review about Harlem's Zone/P.S. 197. Let other families know what’s great, or what could be improved. Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.
Connect, Seek Advice, Share Knowledge
