'Acting together to save lives': Schools close, focus on aid to families

Get up to date news and resources at kclinc.org/actingtogether

All area school districts will be shut down at least until early April, fully aware of the difficulties that will fall on many families already stressed by the COVID-19 coronavirus and the undoing of everyone’s daily lives.

“This was a difficult decision in light of the problems this will create for children and families in our community,” said Kenny Southwick, executive director of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City. “But the districts acted together in order to try to save lives.”

LINC’s partner districts — Kansas City Public Schools, Hickman Mills, Grandview, Center, Fort Osage, North Kansas City and Independence — will keep children out of school beyond spring break at least until April 3. And LINC’s before- and after-school sites therefore are also closed.

But the districts and LINC and other service providers across the community are now developing plans to help families that rely on school lunch programs, and who are in need of child care services and need help connecting to the Internet.

“It is important to us that we maintain some of services for our students and families during this closure,” Kansas City Public Schools spokeswoman Kelly Wachel said in the district’s announcement Monday night.

The district has set up a special coronavirus web page to provide updates about food distribution and learning packets.

Hickman Mills is preparing what it calls its Flexible Learning Plan.

The landscape for child care is also changing quickly. Some parents who can’t stay home during the schools shutdown need help, but many child care programs are also taking the precaution to close.

The statewide service Childcare Aware of Missouri can help families in searching for an available provider by calling 800-200-9017, emailing referralcenter@mo.childcareaware.org, or visiting the webpage.

The lack of internet connections for many families is another heavy concern.

The Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion website is seeking information from people and services that either need help connecting to the internet or who can make donations of devices or money to help get people connected. Forms to get help, or give help, are available here.

The Partners Bridging the Digital Divide national website provides links to resources to help people get connected during the COVID-19 crisis on its page for low-cost access options.