San Francisco schoolchildren struggling to take their classes at home will have a new option beginning in September, as city schools plan to start the upcoming year fully virtual.
"A lot of children had a hard time with distance learning for a number of reasons. So, some children their family didn’t have the right equipment or the right WiFi connection. But a lot of children also didn’t have the appropriate space to engage in distance learning," said Maria Su, who heads the city’s Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.
That is why the city is turning dozens of community centers, recreation facilities and libraries into learning hubs that will look a lot like school, with computers, WiFi, books, PE and even afternoon snacks.
"We’re trying to make it easier for working families in our city. And we’re trying to make it just a little bit more joyful for our children," said Su. "We create opportunities for children to come into a place where you would have adult staff who could support them to get onto their Zoom calls, maybe do homework and submit those things online."
The learning hubs will be open during normal school hours and staffed by employees from nonprofits and other community programs, providing critical support to as well to parents in need of childcare.
Officials plan to open 40 different facilities spread throughout the city. The goal is for learning hubs to be within walking distance of students’ homes.
The city aims to serve 6,000 students and will target kids with the highest need first, including low-income, homeless and foster families.
While the city has not released specific details about coronavirus safety precautions, some summer camps, preschools and daycare facilities have been able to operate this summer.
The project is a collaboration of the DCYF, Recreation and Parks and more community agencies and city departments. Families will be able to register for a spot in mid-August.
