Tulsa Community Center Preps For Walkout

With the teacher walkout in less than 12 hours, many working parents are trying to figure out what they will do for childcare for the duration of the shutdown. 

While many parents support the teachers' decision to walk out, they are concerned about where their children will be while schools are closed. 

3/30/2018 Related Story: Daycare Facilities Prepare For Teacher Walkout

One community development center said they will do what they can to help this week.  

"It is a responsibility, it is an obligation, and it is the human thing to do," said Director of BRU Inc, International Academy Pageant Ferriabough-Charlton.

With the teacher walkout less than a day away, Pageant Ferriabough-Charlton found a need in her community that she wants to see met. 

"It is a dire need, Tulsa's going through growing pains. I don't think it's all negative. I don’t want to make it all negative. We're in this together," Ferriabough-Charlton said.

Starting Monday, BRU Inc. International Academy will offer free childcare, educational activities, and meals for children affected by the teacher walkout. Ferriabough-Charlton said her staff is ready for what's to come.

"Monday we're going to be prepared. It's just all about love. I'm going to speak from the heart, reach the heart," she said. 

At least 50 Green Country school districts will not be in session Monday morning.

Teachers will be heading to the Capitol to demand lawmakers increase education funding.

But while many parents support the cause, many are scrambling to find childcare.

"We are going to meet the need. Right now, food is the most important thing for us so we are going to provide these services, we are going to work with these parents," Ferriabough-Charlton said. 

She said she will do what she can to step in and help.

"Let’s decide today, now that we're not going to just do something we are going to be part of the solution," she said.

The facility will be open from 6 am to midnight.

Ferriabough-Charlton said they will be offering their free services for students until May 1st.