BOZEMAN — Parents, teachers and students learned last week that Bozeman students will be going to school for in-person learning two days a week, and online for remote learning for the remaining three days.
“This year is an unusual year and we’re going to need unusual solutions to solve some of the needs around childcare and education,” said Danica Jamison, President and CEO of the Greater Gallatin United Way.
The “Blended Model” has brought serious concerns for working parents across the school district. Namely, concerns about childcare.
“The blended model for families is primarily a childcare issue,” said Jamison.
“Thinking about how and whether they will have after school care for the two days that their kids are in school, and what they’ll be able to do the other 3 days that their kids are not in school and how to support them.”
Jamison says the Greater Gallatin United Way is already getting lots of calls about what options are out there for families.
She says they’re in the early phases of planning for something very unique for those who need it the most.
“We’re looking at offering a small pilot program that would provide care for those who absolutely cannot find any other alternative. We don’t want to see any child home alone,” she said.
This could provide support for families looking for help on those 3 days of remote learning, and of course, after school.
The Greater Gallatin United Way continues to discuss creative ways to help support families navigate the Blended Model with school administrators.
In the meantime, they’re starting to look for spaces, staff and ideas for where emergency childcare can take place in the community.
“For those in the community who might have appropriate spaces, or have ideas for staffing, or funding, those are needs that we’re seeing right now,” said Jamison.
“We have some good leads, but nothing solidified yet, and we’ll be working that lot in the upcoming days.”
If you have space that can be used for emergency childcare services, or have ideas for staffing, you can reach out to the Greater Gallatin United Way at (406) 587-2194 or email them at admin@greatergallatinunitedway.org.
