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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kevin Lee, Parent Advocate from Forest Hills, Queens
7:01:35
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Kevin Lee, a parent advocate from Forest Hills, Queens, testified to the NYC Council Committee on Finance, urging for increased funding and improvements in early childhood education and after-school programs. He emphasized the need for extended hours in pre-K programs, enhancements to the Summer Rising program, and universal after-school programs.
- Advocated for funding pre-K at faith-based schools like Catholic Academy, citing their flexible extended hours for working parents
- Requested improvements to the Summer Rising program, including a more efficient enrollment process and more recreational and enrichment-based activities
- Called for universal after-school programs supported by community-based organizations
Kevin Lee
7:01:35
Chair Brennan and members of the committee, my name is Kevin Lee.
7:01:38
I am a lifelong New Yorker and a proud graduate of New York Public Schools and a resident of Forest Hills, Queens, where I live with my wife and our two children, ages five and three.
7:01:49
I am here today to urge the council to prioritize funding for pre K at faith based schools like Catholic Academy, fully fund and enhance New York City Public Schools Summer Rising programs and make CBO's after school programs universal.
7:02:06
One of the biggest reasons we chose the Catholic Academy for our children's pre k education is the extended hours.
7:02:13
Right now, we can drop our our children off at 07:15AM and pick them up at 05:30PM.
7:02:20
Public schools alone simply do not offer this flexibility, making it difficult for working parents who rely on a full workday to support their families.
7:02:29
I also want to recognize and commend New York City Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Development for making summarizing a reality.
7:02:39
However, last year, only 40% of families who were accepted actually attended the program.
7:02:45
This is deeply unfair to the thousands and thousands of parents who desperately needed a summarizing seat, but were turned away due to limited capacity.
7:02:56
When a family secures a spot and then does not show up, this is a wasted opportunity for another child.
7:03:03
We really do need a more efficient enrollment process.
7:03:06
The merchandising should be more recreational based and enrichment enhancing, so that it includes sports activities, arts programs and hands on STEM learning.
7:03:18
Finally, we must make after school programs universal with the support of community based organizations.
7:03:28
As a father, as a New Yorker and a public school graduate, I urge the council to make these investments in our city's children and working families.
7:03:37
Thank you for your time and leadership.