“We applaud the Department of Education for creating Regional Enrichment Centers (RECs) across the city as our school system remains closed. RECs are critically important in this time of crisis, providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children of essential workers, such as healthcare and grocery store workers, first responders, and pharmacists. RECs are staffed by teachers and ensure students are supported during the remote learning process and have access to meals, recreation, and other enrichment activities.

“As you know, homeless shelters, hotels, transitional housing, shared housing, domestic violence shelters, and other temporary housing situations are not necessarily conducive to optimal learning opportunities. This is compounded by the fact that many of these students lack access to the internet, and there is no clear plan for when this access will be provided.  As we rise to meet the challenges of remote learning during this time of crisis, we must do all we can for our most vulnerable students. It is therefore important that the City open Regional Enrichment Centers to students in temporary housing, to provide the support and learning opportunities these students need.”

###