County Adds Remote Learning Centers To Help Essential Workers

WHITE PLAINS, NY — More remote learning centers are scheduled to open in Westchester County allowing children of essential workers to safely attend classes via computer.

County Executive George Latimer said there are now 17 centers that are operational and another three opening shortly.

The centers provide remote learning assistance to the children of essential workers, age 5 to 12, with some centers providing lunch and snacks.

"The county government is working hard each day to overcome the many obstacles this pandemic has thrown the way of Westchester residents," Latimer said.

"Essential workers have no choice but to go to work so they can provide the services we all rely on, and this is another way for us to support them," he said.

While the centers have been operating since late last year, additional funding was provided so that they can run until the end of the 2020-21 school year, a spokesperson said.

The centers, which have a ratio of one staff member to five students, are following the school calendars, in conjunction with the district where that particular center is located.

The county said all centers have been provided with additional connectivity to allow for the children to connect to their virtual classrooms. Each center screens the children as they arrive each day to monitor any potential spread of the coronavirus. All staff and students are required to be masked.

Rosie Finizio, the director of policy and programs, childcare/education, said the county stands ready to assist first responders who are juggling their vital jobs with the educational needs of their children.

"Our staff is here to ensure your child has a safe, comfortable and nurturing place to navigate the new remote-learning world they have been forced into due to the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.

For more information, contact Finizio via email.

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