school closings, how to do it?

This Thursday, March 12, during his live television address from the Élysée Palace, Emmanuel Macron announced various security measures in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. Among them, the closure of educational establishments such as schools, high schools and universities. Zoom on the solutions proposed to help you with your children.

During his televised speech, Emmanuel Macron announced strong measures to counter the spread of coronavirus named Covid-19. A situation of absolute crisis which currently has 3,661 people affected across France, with 79 people dead since the start of the epidemic. Thus, the President of the Republic ordered the closure of nurseries, schools, colleges, high schools and universities " until further notice " in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Draconian measures that put millions of parents to a new headache: how to babysit

A solution that is not suitable for everyone

After requests for emergency measures voiced by Medef in the face of the coronavirus epidemic, the authorities now advise the French to favor telecommuting to the maximum. "The State will take charge of the compensation of employees forced to stay at home"said Emmanuel Macron, who is committed to protecting employees and businesses as much as possible from the virus. Problem, the French find themselves forced to keep their children themselves.

However, even if teleworking allows limit the risk of spreading the virus (reduction in physical contact and travel by public transport), this method of working at home does not suit everyone. “This solution has its limits. With young children, telework is not suitable, many parents say ", emphasizes Sabrina Kemel, lawyer specializing in employment law, at FTMS Avocats. For parents of older children, teleworking can also be difficult, as students must continue to take lessons from a distance, which means a surveillance constant parents.

Elderly people in danger

Previously, many parents arranged with grandparents or even neighbors to babysit the children. A guard system that can no longer take place with the rapidly spreading coronavirus epidemic which makes the very vulnerable elderly. Thus, having children looked after by grandparents will now be impossible. This Thursday March 12, Emmanuel Macron invited "All persons over the age of 70", as well as "Those who suffer from chronic diseases or respiratory disorders" where are "With disabilities", at " stay at home as much as possible. "

Simplified procedures

If teleworking is not an option for you, it is advisable to request a sick leave. Indeed, since Wednesday March 4, it is possible to benefit froma simplified work stoppage procedure, provided that:
– Either your child has coronavirus
– Either your city is an area at risk of contamination
– Either your child's school is closed
Also, the parent can benefit from this “Compensated sick leave if he cannot benefit from a change in his working conditions allowing him to stay at home to keep his child ”, explains Jérôme Salomon, the Minister of Solidarity and Health and Insurance. This procedure is subject under certain conditions, your child must be under 16 and the work stoppage must be initiated by the employer on the ameli.fr site.

Financial assistance in the event of school closings

Social security has unlocked allowances for parents in charge of children, in the event of school closure. According to a decree published in the Official Journal on February 1, 2020, Medicare allows parents to benefit from assistance from the first day of sick leave, for a maximum of twenty days. The text emphasizes that the work stoppage "Must be issued by a doctor from the regional health agency (ARS)". This compensation concerns people "Subject to isolation, eviction or home support and" unable to work, even if they are not sick themselves ", but also parents who cannot go to work because their child is subject to isolation. "

Paid time off can be moved

If you have time off, you can ask your employer for approval now. If you have already taken time off, your employer may ask you to change the dates in order to move the rest days. Warning, your employer cannot in any case, you impose to take leave.

Use reliable babysitting agencies

It is possible to call on childminders and nannies through agencies specializing in childcare. To overcome this emergency situation, it is possible to contact an agency directly by phone or via the baby-sitting platform. In addition, it is best to contact an agency and not to an individual, because the agencies recruit babysitters with experience in the field of early childhood.
Here is a small list of recognized organizations:

A "region by region" daycare service for caregivers

To counter the coronavirus epidemic, the president insisted on mobilization of all caregivers. To best help the caregivers, Jean-Michel Blanquer, the Minister of Education, announced to set up "A minimum service for the children of nursing staff". At the same time, Emmanuel Macron warned that an " daycare will be set up region by region for caregivers essential to the management of the health crisis " so that they may " babysit and keep going to work "

Reorganize these days

If you are forced to take care of your children yourself, don't panic, you can recreate the home school atmosphere. Here are our tips:

  • First of all, check with your child's primary teacher. The goal is to work with your child to get to know his pet peeves at school. A way of learning that can be beneficial to get to know your child better and help them progress smoothly.
  • Create a real day of lessons. The nice thing about school at home is that your child is not under pressure. Try to work at home. Here is an idea of ​​a typical day with your child: breakfast, lesson, practical exercises, family lunch, feedback on the morning lesson, practical exercises, outdoor or indoor play, afternoon tea, homework, bath and dinner.
  • Vary the fun activities. Future generations are more and more connected, thus, according to a study carried out by Médiamétrie on a panel of 2,000 French households, 40% of children aged 0 to 14 spend more than an hour in front of the television. Also, 52% of children aged 0 to 14 spend time on smartphones. So, to vary the fun activities with your child, do board games, puzzles, cooking as well as outdoor activities such as gardening.

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Video by Clemence chevallet