KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When her daughter’s school announced kindergarteners would have in-person learning just two days per week and the rest of the week would be virtual, Lora O’Byrne started looking around for options.
O’Byrne works in health care and her husband is an essential worker, making it nearly impossible for both of them to continue working while watching their daughter.
“It would have been very difficult,” she said.
But the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Y Learning Academy was “completely stress relieving.”
The program assists students with their daily virtual learning. It’s aimed at helping working families, in addition to those who need the space or internet access.
“When the direct teaching stops and it’s time for the student to learn independently, we’re there to support them and help them with their math problems and with their reading or providing support for whatever it is that they’re working on,” said Steve Scraggs, senior vice president of youth development.
The academy is open to families of all school districts and also offers before and after care. The service costs around $35 to $60 per day, although there are scholarships available.
“We bring her device here, they have the curriculum that the school will follow and they just act as the step-in parent for us,” O’Byrne said.
The YMCA still has spaces open for students.
