Navigating School Closures: A Parent's Guide to Remote Learning and Care Options
As the world grapples with the implications of school closures, particularly during the 2020-2021 academic year, many parents have turned to innovative solutions such as home schooling and online learning platforms. With the pandemic continuing to present challenges, planning for the future is crucial for ensuring a balanced and supportive learning environment for your child.
Home Schooling: An Effective Solution
Much like many parents, you might be considering home schooling as a reliable alternative to traditional schooling. Home schooling can be a highly effective method, especially when done with the support of accessible resources and a dedicated mindset. For instance, I successfully home-schooled my eighth-grade son during a transitional semester, balancing his education with my commitments outside the home.
When opting for home schooling, it's important to ensure that you have the necessary materials and resources. If you find that the online public or private schooling options are not meeting your child's educational needs, you might consider enrolling them in an online school. This option requires no additional effort in selecting materials or grading, leaving you more time to focus on other aspects of your life.
Another viable approach is to select curricula from a variety of coursework provided by universities or commercial sources. While this method requires some recordkeeping, it offers a diverse and enriching educational experience. Institutions like Brigham Young University (BYU) provide coursework suitable for non-traditional learners, which can be particularly beneficial for students involved in travel or other unconventional learning scenarios.
Supporting Your Child with Distance Learning
Distance learning doesn't have to be a solitary endeavor. With the proliferation of technology and digital resources, it's easier than ever to support your child's education through video calls, remote access, and other tools. For example, if your child is older, a grandparent could watch them via video calls, ensuring that your child remains engaged and supervised. This method could be particularly effective for a 12- or 13-year-old who is already accustomed to being left at home for short periods.
If you can, work from home and discuss with your employer the possibility of continuing your remote work. Working from home can significantly ease your responsibilities, allowing you to focus on both your job and your child's education. For younger children, hiring an in-home babysitter can be a helpful solution, particularly if you have available resources through local college students or other neighbors.
Care Options for Extended Family and Friends
For many families, relying on extended family and friends can provide an additional layer of support. If you're concerned about exposing grandparents or other retired relatives to potential health risks, consider sending your children to stay with relatives who do not work. This can be a mutually beneficial arrangement, as it allows your children to be cared for by another family member who can provide a warm and familiar environment.
Ultimately, the decision to home school or seek alternative care options depends on your unique circumstances. Exploring various possibilities and finding a solution that works for both you and your child is key. In some cases, it might even be necessary to consider the possibility of one parent leaving their job or switching to a work-from-home position. This can help ensure a smoother transition and maintain the stability that both you and your child need during these challenging times.
As more employers and organizations recognize the benefits of remote work, we can expect these arrangements to become more common. For many families, working from home can not only be a practical solution but also a win-win situation for both the employer and the employee.
By leveraging these strategies and solutions, you can navigate the challenges of school closures and provide your child with a robust and supportive educational experience.