With many schools opting for virtual or hybrid learning plans for the new school year, parents everywhere are finding themselves at a loss for what to do when it comes to juggling work and their child’s education. We hope these ideas are steps towards a solution for your family!
Oklahoma families that qualify as low-income have now have access to an amazing grant – Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet through EveryKidCountsOK.org. For more information and to apply for the grant, please go to https://www.everykidcountsok.org/digital-wallet
For Parents Working Outside the Home
- Education Pods – Education pods are quickly becoming one of the most popular solutions for families this school year. Education pods are a small group of parents that get together and hire a certified teacher to educate their kiddos daily in a designated location. Typically, the cost is about $150 per week per child. Education pods work best when the students are in the same grade or very close grade levels and can be run out of one parent’s home or other location. Additionally, by enrolling the students virtually and then creating the education pod, you will have a curriculum already in place for the teacher your hire, allowing the teacher freedom to create more interactive, hands-on learning opportunities for your children.
For Parents Working Inside the Home
- Plan your child’s learning schedule around your work – One benefit of virtual learning is the flexibility to complete the learning around your work schedule. Begin by establishing your “office” times and then fill in the space with your child’s learning. Not sure what to do with your children in the home while you’re there working? See below for ideas about in-home support.
For Parents in All Working Situations
- Lists – lists, lists, and more lists. This is an overwhelming time and things are bound to slip through the cracks. Be proactive and have a to-do list to keep you and your family on track. Not to mention, the satisfaction you’ll feel as you cross things off!
- Be flexible – This past year has taught us all how vital flexibility is. Things will change and then change again and probably change again after that. Be as flexible as possible and always have Plans B and C ready to go.
- Find or create a parent network for support – It truly takes a village! If you haven’t already, establish a support network for you and your children. Many neighborhoods are banding together to support one another with childcare, sharing tutors, ideas to keep the kids busy, etc. If you don’t live in a neighborhood, reach out to your church community, parents of your child’s friends, family, and friends. You don’t have to do this alone!
- Have a discussion with your employer – Be proactive. There will be a day, or days, when you won’t be able to make it to work or will have children crying in the background as you’re on a conference call. Discuss with your employer beforehand how you will handle these situations and have a plan in place. Your employer will appreciate the forethought and will most likely be receptive to the plans you put in place ahead of time
- High school and college students in home – High school and college students are in the same boat when it comes to learning this year. If you need help watching your kids while you’re away at work or holed up in your home office, look for local high schoolers in your neighborhood. They are often less expensive than adult babysitters or daycare outside of the home. As always, have Plans B and C – create a list of babysitters and don’t limit yourself to just one.
- Don’t give up! – This year has already been difficult and, unfortunately, will continue to be. Stay strong, take care of yourself so you can be the best parent possible, and take a deep breathe. You are not alone. You’ve got this!
