Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers’ Sharon Abrams Teen Parent School Program was forced to make some modifications to the academics and support services that are offered due to the pandemic. They quickly learned that remote learning was especially challenging for parenting teens. The Teen Parent Program created a supportive space for teen parents to come and engage in their remote classes and other schoolwork, while also accessing on campus childcare, food pantry, diapers & wipes programs, and most importantly the support and guidance offered by staff.
Students have shared they preferred to be on campus for their remote learning, and attendance has improved dramatically. The teachers at the Alternative Education school have been presently surprised that now, with the ability to be on campus, have their child cared for, and have the supportive environment with Teen Parent staff, they are participating in their zoom classed on a more consistent basis.