CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — It might be difficult for some parents to juggle working full time and helping their kids learn remotely. But now one company is trying to help take some of that load off of their employees.
This support program started last month and is specifically designed for parents working for the hospital to help their kids with remote learning.
With the pandemic and children learning virtually, parents working in the Driscoll health system are struggling with their own work schedules and the educational needs of their children.
“We had some employees tell us that because of the homeschooling that they would have to resign and not have to work and provide for their families,” said Vice President of Human Resources for Driscoll Health System Bill Larsen.
The company decided to take action by offering a new support program designed to help their employees children with their school work.
“It’s for our employee's children who are at home having remote learning it is an option for them to assist them and be more successful in school,” said Larsen.
The program is operated by certified teachers and assistant teachers. And helps children from kindergarten to eleventh grade.
Sarah Villegas who is a professional development Educator said she is beyond thankful for the extra help.
“I was kind of stressing out about what I was going to do with her while I went to work and when I found out about this, I was super relieved that I was going to have a place for her to go and do her schoolwork while I was at work.”
Parents are able to drop their children off before starting their shifts. Then the teachers help the kids get signed into their Zoom classes or help them with their lessons.
“Then the teachers check their work before they submit it to make sure they are submitting accurate information,” said Angela Craig-Coates the Virtual Support Program Director at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
There are breaks, game time, and even an outdoor area where 2nd grader Stella Villegas shares why it’s her favorite part of the day.
“So me and my friends find rocks and try to crack them and then some of them broke and I found a little big crystal,” said 2nd grader Villegas.
The support program also has several safety measures in place, including temperature checks, hand sanitizers, masks, and everyone is seated six feet apart from left to right and from front to back.
“Just getting that extra help and knowing that she has teachers with her that are supporting her all day is a huge relief it’s great I love it,” said Villegas.
The program costs $18 a day and runs Monday through Friday and they are currently serving about 80 children in the program.
