AKRON, Ohio — Thousands of students across Summit County are beginning the school year learning remotely after the county health department suggested the learning model earlier this summer to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
But for working parents of those students, it's not so easy.
The Salvation Army of Summit County recognized the struggle parents were facing and decided to pivot their offerings.
"We've had to because of our disaster response services, pivot and adjust as necessary, especially to meet the needs of the community," said the director of development, Marian Calvin.
The Salvation Army of Summit County just rolled out a new daylong program for students of working parents. The building will now be opened and staffed with teachers and tutors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to give students learning remotely a place to work safely.
The program is for students who live within Summit County, regardless of which school district they attend.
"They have to just provide us with the students scheduled for that school because different breaks means a different schedule for each and every child. So you can imagine, there's a lot of balls being juggled in here right now," she said.
Calvin said they are giving priority to younger children of parents who work throughout the day and added that the staff on hand will help students each day with a variety of issues.
"It's always reassuring to the parents to know that there's an adult there. They're a trained professional looking over that child's shoulder to help them with login issues, any problems with their Chromebooks. Whatever they need, they're going to be there for them," Calvin said.
The program costs $85 per week per child and includes two meals per day plus a snack. Students can also opt to enroll in art and music enrichment programs. Each attendee will be required to wear a face mask while inside the building and social distancing will be observed throughout the day.
Space is limited, however there are spots still available. Parents who are interested can call the Salvation Army of Summit County at 330-762-8481.
