Why We Exist

Philadelphia's Black children were in an educational crisis before the global pandemic began. Two-thirds of Philadelphia elementary and middle grade students were below grade level in reading and two-thirds of Philadelphia students lacked internet access. COVID-19 made the crisis bigger and deeper. Children lost hundreds of hours of learning time. For Black students, the learning loss may equal 10 months. There has also been an enormous increase in the level of stress and anxiety that children, and families, are under due to the global pandemic and gun violence that has a increased in predominantly Black neighborhoods throughout the City of Philadelphia.

Through a series of telephone town hall meetings we hosted in partnership with members of the State Senate, we connected with over 4300 households and heard directly from parents and caregivers. Parents and older caregivers shared that they need safe spaces in the community where students receive adult supervision and academic support for virtual learning. Parents and caregivers also shared that it would be helpful to have a resource center that provides assistance with academic lessons, referrals for tutoring and services for special needs students; and access to mental health and behavioral services.

In response to the urgent need to support African-American students and their caregivers, the PCS, in partnership corporate sponsors, foundation grants and donations have launched the PCS Learning Pod & Parent Resource Center. 

The PCS LEARNING POD and PARENT RESOURCE CENTER will provide:

~ Instructional support for virtual learning
~ Supplemental lessons and activities to close learning gaps by experienced instructors
~ Effective and engaging use of technology
~ Parent Help Desk & Referral Service
~ Mental and behavioral health counseling – by appointment 

HEALTH & SAFETY

The safety and security of the children in our program is of the upmost importance. Therefore, PCS Learning Pods will follow all CDC Guidelines to ensure children remain safe and socially distant while at our center. We will also provide contactless temperature checks for all staff and students. All staff and instructors have all of the necessary clearances and requirements to be in the presence and interact with children. 

THE TEAM

CONTACT US:  info@pcslearningpods.com
CLASSES:  K-5
STARTING IN:  October 2020
DAYS: Monday to Friday
TIMES: 7:30am - 4:30pm