[School Shutdown]
Jennifer March: “School closures disrupt the lives of children and the capacity of parents to work, and have a particularly devastating impact on the most vulnerable populations of students.”
Photo: Kevin Case\Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Kevin Case\Wikimedia Commons
CCC wants Mayor Bill de Blasio to do the right thing.
As news rolls out about a system wide shutdown of New York City schools starting Thursday, CCC remains deeply concerned about the health and social-emotional well-being of our City’s students during this time, as well as the quality of remote learning they will receive.
School closures disrupt the lives of children and the capacity of parents to work, and have a particularly devastating impact on the most vulnerable populations of students, such as students with special needs, students living in temporary housing, and English-language learners.
These challenges are compounded by the fact that many households across New York City still lack remote learning devices, access to WiFi, cellular data service, or adequate technological support needed for successful remote engagement.
We urge the DOE to take immediate action to ensure that all of New York City’s students are now provided with the support they need to facilitate successful remote learning, with particular attention to special populations of students.
The administration must also ensure that the community-based organizations running the city’s early care, afterschool, and Learning Bridges sites, have every support they need as they remain open to offer critical services to families, including school enrichment programs, academic help, young child development, health and mental health services, and nutritional supports.
By Jennifer March
Jennifer March is Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York CCC’s Executive Director
