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Support for Hybrid Learners and Homeschool Pods on Long Island in Fall 2020

Fish Academy provides a safe learning environment and aquarium educators who provide support. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Fish Academy provides a safe learning environment and aquarium educators who provide support. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
9/10/20 - By Jody Mercier

School is upon us, but the 2020-21 school year is anything but ordinary. Whether your district is doing remote learning, a hybrid model, or you've created a homeschooling pod, it's likely you're going to need a little more support than normal.

Luckily, community organizations, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs are here to help, filling the void left by extraordinarily challenging school schedules. We've rounded up a handful of spots offering support for hybrid and remote learners, plus organizations willing to provide a little programming for your pod.

Fear not, you don't have to go it alone...nor do your kids. For more support during Back-to-School season and beyond, be sure to bookmark our Classes Guide for Long Island Kids. For even more options, make sure to peruse the booths at our virtual Back-to-School Fair, where you'll find extracurricular options whether you're searching for virtual or in-person learning.

The Suffolk JCC provides children with a safe place to do online virtual learning and the opportunity to participate in fun activities. Photo courtesy of the JCC
The Suffolk JCC provides children with a safe place to do online virtual learning and the opportunity to participate in fun activities. Photo courtesy of the JCC

Support for Remote Learners and Hybrid School Schedules

Long Island Aquarium - Fish Academy

Riverhead
Aquarium educators supervise the socially distant Fish Academy, providing support for hybrid-learners by offering large rooms with desks spaced six feet apart, plus high-speed internet. Students enjoy the aquarium and themed activities when schoolwork is done.  READ MORE

Long Island Tutoring Services

North Massapequa
Teachers provide small-group and private tutoring sessions to help remote learners. Sessions can be arranged at the center or in-home settings according to each family or small group's schedule. Tutors help students learn new material, prepare for tests, and stay organized. READ MORE

YMCA of Long Island - Swim Programs

Bayshore, Glen Cove, Huntington, and Patchogue Branches
As a leading provider in swim lessons, YMCA of Long Island's program focuses on keeping kids safe in and around the water with an emphasis on the true progression of swimming. READ MORE

Sylvan Learning - Long Island

Huntington, Mineola, Port Washington
Sylvan Learning Centers opens its doors to provide in-person support for remote learners. Students attend on a regular school day schedule and receive academic support from certified tutors, plus safe opportunities for socialization. Online tutoring programs are also available.  READ MORE
Blue Balloon Songwriting Pods will come to you! Photo courtesy of Blue Balloon
Blue Balloon Songwriting Pods will come to you! Photo courtesy of Blue Balloon

Programming to Support Homeschooling Pods

Whiz Kidz Tutoring

Various Locations
WK Pods is the brainchild of Whiz Kidz Tutoring and provides a certified teacher to work with your homeschooling pod. Sessions can be scheduled on a daily or weekly visit, in your home or an alternative outdoor location, weather permitting. READ MORE

Voyage Academies

Various Locations
Voyage Academies connects homeschool pods with experienced educators who lead small-group instruction in your home or a virtual environment. Educators work with parents to formulate goals for the learning pod, plus a plan of action to achieve them. READ MORE

Long Island Letters

Various Locations
Tutors from Long Island Letters come to you to provide in-person support for your learning pod. Literacy and math support can be provided as well as speech-language therapy. READ MORE

Blue Balloon Songwriting Pods

Various Locations
Blue Balloon's pod curriculum provides instrumental and songwriting instruction, plus a creative intro to music theory. Movement is also included and songwriting can be geared toward students' traditional curriculum to provide a creative outlet to their studies. Teachers travel to you. READ MORE

Playday Pods

Various Locations
LIC's Playday brings creative fun straight to your pod. Book a location or opt for in-home programming, and an experienced, licensed instructor arrives with your choice of activity to entertain your pod for 2-3 hours. Playday instructors travel within a 25-mile radius of NYC. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

When asked to illustrate her dream job as a first grader, Jody drew a picture of a mom with one kid on each hip and another clinging to her leg. All these years later, that is her reality, raising three kids in New York City. Since that gig only pays in hugs and kisses, she has spent her professional career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting topics. She's currently the regional editor overseeing the Mommy Poppins NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester sites and can be reached at jody@mommypoppins.com.

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