Parents who have to go back to work next Monday have no worries: they can ask to take their children to school. Even if the Federal Council announces a compulsory school reopening on May 11.
The crèches and nurseries, which reopen next Monday, cannot guarantee a welcome for all toddlers. But for the school, it is something else, according to the socialist state councilor Cesla Amarelle, who heads the Training Department (DFJC).
Set up in mid-March, the School Reception Service (SAS) has an average of 500 children per day, who attend school in very small groups, out of a total of 90,000 Vaudois schoolchildren. This service will continue for all parents who have no other childcare solution.
“We expect an increase in the coming weeks, but we don’t know yet what order,” says Cesla Amarelle. We therefore ask parents to register and we will make sure to respond to all requests. I would add that it is also the responsibility of parents to contact us in case of proven need. “
Because this service is not reserved for the children of parents who are mobilized in the fight against the coronavirus. In fact, it is open to children of people who have no other childcare options.
“At first, we considered that this service could be used only by the children of parents who are, for example, part of the health personnel,” explains the minister. But afterwards, as part of the Federal Council order, we made sure to find a place of reception for all the children for whom it was the only admissible childcare solution. “
Uncertainties for May 11
However, the outcome is still uncertain. The DFJC confirms that the Canton has no choice and will have to comply with the future Confederation decision to reopen the schools. But May 11 is an “intention” of the Federal Council, reminds Cesla Amarelle, and she expects a final decision on Wednesday April 29. Then the Cantons will have to coordinate.
“Before we can consider the option of a normal resumption of classroom instruction, or teaching in small groups, or sharing classes for example, we need to know if the FOPH decides to maintain rules of social distancing identical to those which apply to the rest of social and economic life ”, adds the socialist minister.
She recalls that the Danish model is often “cited as an example”, with classes in groups, certain outdoor courses, social distances respected, recess in small groups and regular hand washing.
Now she calls on unions to make “proposals for the resumption of classes”, even as they oppose the date of May 11 (read the box). “If their expectation is simply not to resume school on May 11, we will not go very far,” adds Cesla Amarelle. As minister, I am happy that we can return to normal school operation as quickly as possible, in accordance with the instructions of the federal health authorities. ”
Created: 20.04.2020, 19h24
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