TPS Launches Online Portal To Aid Families During Pandemic

Tulsa Public Schools is hoping a new website can be a helpful tool for parents navigating the challenges of COVID-19.

"We want to support all of our families," said Dr. Deborah Gist, TPS Superintendent.

Called COVID Kid Care Resources, the website gives families a central location to find childcare and other basic needs such as food and supplies.

"In Tulsa Public Schools we have more than 80% of our children whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch,” said Gist. “The economic crisis that has come along with this public health crisis has exacerbated that situation."

The website is a partnership between TPS, The Opportunity Project and the Tulsa Area United Way, who helped launch a similar site during the 2018 teacher walkout.

Caroline Shaw is the Opportunity Project's Executive Director.

"This is really sort of an augmented version of that initial website,” said Shaw. “That includes that obviously is really important to families right now including safety considerations, cleaning protocols, ratios, size of a group."

On the site, families will be able to find a map showing where resources are, and businesses offering childcare with safety precautions in place.

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Shaw said they're now looking for people in the community who can support kids during distance learning, whether it be caretakers or someone looking to donate.

"We will take all of that information and it will all be available for families to search," said Shaw.

For more information, visit the COVID Kid Care Resources site here.