Statement on Shutdown of NYC Schools from Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC)

Released November 18, 2020

November 18, 2020 — The following statement can be attributed to CCC’s Executive Director Jennifer March:

“As news rolls out today about a systemwide 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.”

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