The coming month is known among parents as “No School November,” given the number of days school’s out for teacher prep days, parent conferences, and Thanksgiving. The possible teachers strike adds to the childcare troubles; 40,000 students will need a place to go. Plus, it’s not clear how long it will last.
Preparing for the Strike
After-school programs are offering spaces for the students they already serve. One example: The Friendly House, which serves Chapman Elementary students, says they’ll have space for up to 60 students; Art 4Life, which serves Richmond, Abernethy, and Winterhaven, is hosting students at an off-campus site. Other places are trying to fill the gap; VIDA Coworking is offering space for 10 kids of parents who use their office.
Other programs appear to still have openings:
- PDX Reign Basketball Camp
- Coding With Kids
- Baxter Sports
- Urban League of Portland/Blazers Boys & Girls Club
Portland Public Schools has suggested the Portland Parks & Recreation’s TeenForce Pass, which gives kids ages 10 to 20 years old free access to activities at Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, and Mt. Scott Community Centers. That could become crowded quickly.
And obviously, parents will seek out babysitters, fellow parents, grandparents, friends, relatives — and if all else fails, their favorite device to distract their child with a screen to get a little work done, if they still have the option to work from home.
For Later in the Month
With the looming strike, having a plan for the other days may be all the more important.
Portland Public Schools has off Friday, Nov. 3 and 10, as well as Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. Surrounding districts have similar schedules. Here are a few options to keep kids:
A shout out to the website PDX Parent, which ran a longer list, including most of these.
Winter Break
Are you taking your vacation time from work now? It may be time to plan ahead for the winter break. Here are anther option if you’re planning for December:
