Homeschooling vs Public School during COViD-19 .... evangelizing opportunities??

How does COViD-19 effect homeschoolers?

The Michigan state Governor is closing public schools for the next three weeks.

Could this be homeschoolers' greatest opportunity for sharing with their neighbors the advantages of homeschooling.  (Soo...Not religious evangelizing)

Can this topic be in the public forums?  i didn't see an ideal place to put it.  And so put it here since schooling choices can be divisive.

What income opportunities for homeschooling families to 'babysit' these 'stranded' public school children?  

Would you want/be willing to take in other families' kids during this so called epidemic?

i am considering putting word out that i can host Field trips to State Parks.... but have to consider expenses... risks... laws and parental permission... etc.

what are your thoughts... concerns... etc

Thanks so much!!!

Yeah, if you're talking about taking kids in because their parents are working how do you think convincing these parents that home schooling is the way is going to work?

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Among married-couple families with children, 96.8 percent had at least one employed parent, and 61.1 percent had both parents employed.

Those people CAN'T home school.

As for me and my house, no interest in home schooling. I do not have the patience for it. Our kids like hanging out at school. Our school is a country school and wonderful. 14 kids in my daughters class, 19 in my sons. Happy with our public school experience.

I’m not convinced that using a major public health crisis to evangelise anything is a good idea.

Surely better to simply focus on supporting and caring for neighbours in need?

In our local community there will be a substantial number of families who struggle with child care of schools close. My wife and I - as teachers ourselves - were discussing how we might be able to support a couple of other families for week or so, so that they can continue to work as normal. Especially so for those who are medical professionals.

Never let a good crisis go to waste!!

Just kidding, but that is what Rahm Emmanuel says.  I all seriousness I see no problem with discussing the issues and advantages of homeschooling with public school parents.  That's not "evangelizing" per se, though it can have a similar effect.

As far as taking in "stranded" kids for profit purposes, while I'm in favor of entrepreneurial solutions, in most states the regulations surrounding day cares, private schools, homeschool co-ops, etc can make doing that potentially a mine field of legal problems.  Helping those parents set up their own thing is probably fine, but suddenly having half a dozen, never mind 20+ kids showing up at your place to learn and/or be cared for while the parents go to work is where you'll get into trouble.

As a previous elementary and preschool teacher, as well as a parent of a son who's public/homeschool coop is closed for the next 6 weeks, I have a lot of worry and hope for this time.

I think it would be LOVELY if more parents became more intentional in their interactions with their kids and learned to teach through daily life. I think this could be a really wonderful learning and bonding experience for many. I'm excited to do more with my kids!

But, I also know that a lot of parents work, and even if they're no working at home, it's really hard to teach and work at the same time! (I can say this honestly, because I just picked up a work-at-home side job, and I'm feeling really torn and having a real hard time finding the balance between teaching and working. And I only have a few hours a day! I can't imagine what it is for people who are trying to work a 8-hour job at home while their kids either play and make messes in the house...or get sit in front of a TV or screen so the parent can get their work done).

I think this is an excellent time for homeschoolers and educators to give tools and tips and assistance to those who suddenly have kids at home. I think it would be great to invite them over and do a home school coop at your home for an hour or two so the parents can get a bunch of work done during that time, and give them resources for when the kids aren't over.

Personally, since my husband works at the hospital, I don't think it would be a good idea for me to take in neighbors kids. The chances of spreading the disease are much higher in my case. But I really think this would be great thing for many to do.

As for charging for it, I would first find out if they aren't paying for child care/after-care. Some of them might be stuck still paying for service they no longer have  access to. I would also see if they are in financial straights. If they are doing well, I think it would be okay to ask, especially if you are short on cash. With it just being a hopefully-short event, I think it's neighborly and awesome to just have the neighbors kids over hanging out with yours and have a good time of it for free! Maybe ask for some funds/donations for materials.

It's also a good time to teach the benefits of a home-based lifestyle rather than a commuter one. I think both this and homeschooling are better taught by setting a good example rather than by evangelising. Maybe more people will be aware now that these options exist, and that they give more flexibility in times of crisis.

For anyone wanting to ensure the kiddos don't lag behind during this time:

https://youtu.be/Xtw7MS-J8uk

Khanacademy.org is a not for profit, free resource that covers all grades, all subjects and even has SAT prep. As a parent you can sign up as a parent or a "teacher" and assign your kids assignments. It's a great program and i highly recommend it!

My wife homeschools our oldest here in MI.  She plans a field trip for each week, but that's out the window now.  She was going to take the kids to the AirZoo last week, Fred Meijer Gardens this week, both became non-options.  
We offered some friends childcare, as I am a teacher, but they already had things lined up with neighbors.