Boys & Girls Club working out kinks caused by schools reopening
With Vacaville public schools partially returning to in-person classes soon, the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club is again struggling to address related issues.
Since schools closed down last March, the Club expanded its hours and staffing to meet the needs of the parents, considered essential workers, and their children. Similar issues have risen now that more students may be returning to school.
“The school reopening hybrid plan is creating additional challenges and we’re doing our best to make our services available. However, staffing is a big issue,” said Anna Eaton, the Club’s CEO. “Our current staff is spread thin since we are operating 10 hours as opposed to the typical 3.5 hours after school.”
Right now, after school programming has become an all day thing, with the Club staffed from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. With more students, Eaton said the Hemlock and Fairmont school sites may be reopened. More staff will definitely be hired.
“Another challenge is understanding where the need will shift,” she advised. “Some kids are offered in-person class from 8:30-11 a.m. or 12-2:30 p.m., leaving gaps of time where kids will need supervision especially for parents who are working full time.”
Transportation is also a concern. The Club apparently is working with the Vacaville Unified School District to get students where they need to go.
Social distancing protocols continue to limit the number of students the Club can serve, Eaton said. She explained that youths are kept 4-6 feet apart, with 12 kids per “pod.”
Despite the challenges, Eaton said the Club is dedicated to serve as many community members as possible.
Interested parents are asked to call the front desk, at 999-5034, and get on the interest list. Once in the program, they’ll be asked to fill out a registration form.
Kids already in the program will remain with the Club through the reopening.
For more information, visit www.vnbgc.com.