Maria White Tillman
| WABE
August 17th, 2020
Working families will have a chance to enroll their school-age children in a licensed program for virtual learning.
The program would help parents whose schedule does not allow them to stay home with their student.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning [DECAL] says the initiative evolved from concerned working parents and parents who might not feel qualified to assist their child in their virtual classroom studies.
Parents can enroll their students in a licensed childcare center. Students will need their own laptops and tools for their assignments.
Metro Atlanta YMCAs have begun a similar program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
“School-age children are returning to their classes, with many school systems opting for distance learning through virtual classes,” said DECAL commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. Jacobs added, “In this pandemic, Georgia’s child care industry stands ready to assist school-age children and their families, and we appreciate them answering the call.”
Jacobs said while many child care programs were forced to close in the early days of COVID-19, more than 62 percent of the licensed 4,400 child care programs in Georgia are now open and ready to serve children and families. With attendance lower than normal on average, space and professional staff are available to assist with school-age children enrolled in distance learning.
To search for child care, go to www.qualityrated.org and check the box for “Fulltime care for school-age children.” You may also search by zip code and distance from your home or office. Assistance can also be found by calling 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS.
Licensed Georgia child care providers offering full-time care for school-age children are encouraged to log on to their KOALA accounts and update this information, so it is reflected on the DECAL and Quality Rated websites.
