By Julissa Casillas, Staff Reporter
COVID-19 has wiped away many social activities, schools, and non-essential jobs–and those with essential jobs are faced daily with the daunting reality of the risk of infection. With schools shutting down and K-12 classes being taught virtually, it has caused a huge mess for student parents who would usually work when their child is at school.
“I’m a single mom, my kid is at school when I work, so I feel like now I have to stop working to help him in school because he’s still at the age where I can’t just let him do it on his own,“ Kendra Roberts, sociology major and essential worker, said.” It stresses me out because I need to bring money home and this virtual school is not letting me do that.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom officially confirmed April 15 that K-12 schools in California won’t reopen this semester.
Parents obviously don’t want to send their kids to school with this scary pandemic going on, but let’s keep in mind that some parents rely on school for childcare and sometimes even after-school programs when they work longer hours. (The ASI sponsors the CSUDH Children’s Center, which provides affordable, dependable and convenient childcare for CSUDH students, faculty and staff. But that has been unavailable since March and the campus near shutdown. )
Roberts utilized an after-school program offered by his child’s school, which allowed her to work more hours. But that program is also closed, meaning she either has to miss work or scramble for a babysitter. Additionally, Zoom isn’t always practical to elementary school kids because we can’t expect them to be focused and doing online work when most of their work is hands-on or worksheets, Roberts said
Fortunately, Roberts’ employer has been understanding.
“I’m happy my job gave me two weeks off full pay, and this was for every employee to use if they wanted to quarantine or just to reset and figure things out,” said Roberts. “We are also getting paid our average hours instead of the hours we work.”
Roberts was able to get her mom to help watch her son Hunter because after she does take those two weeks of pay she will have to return to work because she is essential. Her mom works from home at the moment, so it worked out perfect for her because they can get some time together while she can work and make money to survive this pandemic.
She explained that her job changed this because so many people are free to work because they are just at home but there isn’t enough business to have many people on staff. So now employees are getting paid what they would on average. For example, if someone worked six hours during the pay period but they are part-time and can work up to 20-22 hours, they will get paid those 20-22 hours.
Many other essential jobs, just like Roberts’, should try to start this up because it could help relieve stress and could financially help. Tough times are upon us and it’s always good to lend a hand to those in need, but remember six feet in between. If jobs and employers would try to make it easier to work at home or be more flexible it could help ease the burden on single parents.
I’m an African American single mother, and with the grace of God I graduated from CSUDH. My seven-year-old daughter was there to witness my accomplishment. Some of the statistics can be discouraging, but those stats are what made me work even harder (no matter what was against me, I made it through). To all of the single mothers out there, just know that you can accomplish anything. I’m cheering for you all!