Parents turn to 'pandemic pods' as fall approaches

The goal is to mix social interaction with education, outside of public or private school.

Six new cases.

As the realities of full school openings remain uncertain, there's a new method of schooling many families are looking into.

Joining with other small groups for what they call a safer option.

Kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy breaks this all down and spoke to community members today to hear their thoughts.

It's called a pandemic pod.

Laurie: "it is a mix of wanting social engagement, social interaction , education, relief for parents to have their kids interact with other kids their age.

An alternative, similar to homeschooling& but involving a lead teacher who is either hired into a home.

Or one who hosts children in their*own space.

And eugene resident laurie kinder is starting her own pod.

Laurie: "using what they learn in the classroom and what they already know.

Educating themselves that way with a lead teacher."

Bridge: but the goal remains the same: to provide kids with a quality education and to bring some flexibility to working families.

While also giving kids the chance to go on field trips and other outings in smaller, safer groups.

One eugene mother says her children have been enrolled in a charter school.

But now, she's considering other options.

Carina: "it's just not satisfactory to only have virtual learning and to be able to connect personally with other local families so that the kids can play and have different educational opportunities outside of book learning."

She says keeping a sense of connection is essential to her and her family.

Carina: "if you try to do it by yourself without a community, it's incredibly isolating and draining."

Officials with the oregon department of education say they're*aware of the pods& but their focus is on providing services to*all students& especially those who don't have access to a pod or private tutor.

Reporting in eugene kennedy dendy kezi 9 news.

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