Pinellas schools to offer day care for district employees starting in July

Pinellas County schools are set to introduce an affordable day care service for district employees beginning in late July, a move aimed at providing crucial support for educators with young children. The service will cater to children aged 12 to 48 months and was announced during a school board workshop, where officials underscored the growing need for affordable child care options. School board chairperson Laura Hine pointed out that this initiative is essential for recruiting and retaining quality teachers facing financial challenges. The decision to offer day care coincides with the district's plan to repurpose the Pinellas Secondary School, which will no longer serve as an educational institution for students with behavioral issues. Previously, the district made efforts to assign students to other schools, leading to the availability of the facility for new purposes.

Deputy Superintendent Stephanie Woodford noted the district's ongoing commitment to supporting employees, which includes initiatives for affordable housing and free pre-kindergarten programs. If successful, this day care initiative could serve as a model for future expansions, highlighting the district's responsiveness to employee needs. Overall, this step reflects a significant effort to improve the work-life balance for educators in the region.