The Lansing School District is working with the city of Lansing and other partners to provide safe places for children of working parents to attend class.
The idea behind the community partner learning labs in Lansing is that students of parents who are working away from home won’t have to leave their children unattended while they study remotely during the pandemic.
To be eligible, parents must provide proof that their employment prevents them from being home with their kids.
The Foster Community Center is one site. Parks and Recreation director Brett Kaschinske says the program is only offered for students of Lansing public schools. "It’s difficult enough that we have multiple teachers," Kaschinske explains. "If we start getting different school districts and different rules, that would be very difficult to administer.”
Transportation isn’t provided, but most locations are along CATA bus routes.
Other locations include the Boys and Girls Club on Pleasant Grove Road, the Woldumar Nature Center, the Impression 5 Science Center, Caterpillar Corner child care centers, and the YMCA’s Pattengill location. If demand grows, more sites may be added.
The first day of classes is August 31st in Lansing.
