Dr. Mark Rothschild is CEO & Founder of Right At School

COVID-19 has forced many districts to reopen on staggered or half-day schedules, leaving parents with limited childcare options. As such, on-site enrichment and childcare are no longer just happening before and after school. In some cases, childcare providers are operating all day to accommodate these hybrid schedules and provide enrichment opportunities for students right on campus.
It has never been more important to ensure that your district's childcare partners are fluent in Social-Emotional Development and Trauma-Informed Care. After an emotionally challenging spring and summer, many students are struggling to readjust to the expectations of school life. Childcare providers like Right At School, with SEL-rich curriculum and experience supporting vulnerable students, can smooth the transition back to school.
Like schools, enrichment providers have implemented rigorous new health and safety protocols, from physically distanced curriculum to increased sanitation, temperature checks, etc. Right At School was one of the first childcare providers to adopt such policies, jumping into action in March 2020 to provide full-day camps for the children of first responders and essential workers across the country. Maintaining safe physical distancing throughout the pandemic has inspired us to develop new, safe activities that keep kids healthy and engaged without sacrificing the fun factor.

How can parents afford the increasing costs of childcare?

We're in a difficult environment, to be sure. Even with COVID-related changes like higher staff-student ratios and enhanced safety procedures, we're able to keep parent fees at less than $6 per child per hour. These costs can be offset further by state subsidies, local grants, and even employer childcare benefits.

Instant Insights /

School-based Childcare Providers Have a Critical New Role to Play Amid Pandemic

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