As the new school year starts, parents of school-age children are facing increasing uncertainty when it comes to their children’s education. Some states allow all-virtual learning, some have opted for in-person education, and still others are implementing hybrid solutions that combine virtual and reduced-capacity in-school learning. At the same time, parents whose children are too young for school but require child care are navigating limited options while trying to make the best choices for their families. The gravity of these situations is particularly taxing on healthcare workers.

The following are options that NOVA nurses may explore as you explore your family’s education and child care needs.

See What the VA Can Do For You 

As a member of the VA, some NOVA nurses have access to the Office of Human Resources Management’s VA Child Care Subsidy Program Service . The service assists families in paying child care costs for children under age 13 who can not attend public school during the part of the day when public education is available, or for children with special needs under age 18.

Visit va.gov to find VA-sponsored child care centers in your area and complete the necessary paperwork for the program. If there aren’t any sponsored child care centers in your area, a link is provided to the U.S. General Service Administration, with additional federal centers across the nation.

Our NOVA president noted that sharing your situation with colleagues and supervisors may help uncover additional resources that could be available to you. “I suggest being honest and upfront with your supervisors, colleagues, family, and friends,” Kelly D. Skinner, DNP, APRN, NP-C, GNP-BC, CRRN, WCC, CFCN said. “Share with them what your current challenges are but be flexible in return. Keep the lines of communication open and take advantage of the available resources to minimize your stress and anxiety amid these times of uncertainty.”

Alternatives

If there are no VA-sponsored child care centers in your state, there are some alternatives to help you balance your work life and the educational needs for you children.

YMCA

The YMCA of the USA is offering child care due to COVID-19-related school closures and to help the needs of essential workers.

According to the YMCA’s website: “In response, the Y – one of the nation’s largest and most trusted providers of child care services – is offering emergency child care at more than 940 locations for families of medical personnel, essential employees, and first responders.”

All YMCAs have different fees and work with parents if they need financial assistance. Visit ymca.net to find a child care site near you. Note that this information is always changing, so contact your local Y for the most up-to-date information.

Tutors and Child Care Providers

Virtual tutoring is on the rise, helping keep kids engaged in the learning process while parents manage working from home or, if for healthcare workers working outside the home, partnering with childcare providers to ensure children’s learning stays on track outside the classroom. An online search for “virtual tutor” yields a variety of online tutoring services.

Pair Up with Neighbors

Some parents are teaming up with other families to create “pods.” These pods can come in different forms, some families will rent out space to make DIY schools, while others hire virtual tutors as a companion to online teaching.

Call on Family

Finally, it’s also possible to ask a family member to watch your children while you’re at work. Now during the COVID-19 pandemic, this may be a difficult thing to ask a family member, especially if they are more susceptible to the virus, like older parents or grandparents. If they are willing to help, they could help get them ready to go to school or get them ready for virtual classes.

When it comes to childcare and schooling you do have options. Explore benefits available to you through the VA and talk to your supervisors and tell them what is happening. If needed, consider what child care and education alternatives might work for you and your family in your area.

Connect with your NOVA Community for More Resources 

Now more than ever, communities are rallying to support each other. Join the NOVA community at the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs 40^th Annual Meeting, being held virtually from October 29-30, 2020.