The Greater Victoria School District has set up a program to care for children of essential-service workers, including emergency responders and those working in health and law enforcement.
The program is geared to five- to 12-year-olds and is in place at 13 schools, running from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It has been operating for two weeks and has about 80 children registered.
The care is provided by educational assistants, with organizational help from principals and vice-principals, said board chairwoman Jordan Watters. “District staff have gone above and beyond to get this program up and running,” she said.
An online survey conducted by the district helped determine the families who needed the program.
The care for children of essential-service workers is part of a provincial measure announced March 31. COVID-19 protocols, including distancing procedures, are being used.
“Our schools are open to serve the families whose parents or guardians are in critical roles,” said district superintendent Shelley Green. “And we are putting forward every effort to ensure these students have a safe and positive experience in our care.”
