On October 16, Daryl Hornick-Becker, Policy and Advocacy Associate at the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, testified to the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding the reopening of New York City schools.

The testimony highlights the need for efforts that center on educational equity as schools reopen during an unprecedented and unfamiliar educational landscape. The testimony recommends that the city prioritize in-person learning for younger and more vulnerable students — among them, students in temporary housing, students with disabilities, and English language learners.

To further support student well-being and academic success, Daryl’s testimony further recommends the city to ensure that all educational settings — early care and afterschool programs included — are flexible and prepared and that schools are able to support the behavioral health needs of their students.