Parents of preschoolers at loss over delayed spring semester

By Bahk Eun-ji

Parents are struggling to find care for their young children after the government ordered all kindergartens, and elementary, middle and high schools to delay their new school year by a week amid the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, the spring semester will begin March 9.

A preschool in Seoul has its front door closed after the government recommended all schools nationwide delay opening for the spring semester to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Korea Times file

Following the measure, an emergency care service for preschool and elementary-age children of working parents has been put in place.

However, while most parents are reluctant to increase the risk of infection by allowing their young children to attend the emergency care service, many face a dilemma as alternative options are limited. This is the first time in Korea's modern history that schools have been ordered to close temporarily to prevent the spread of a virus.

In addition, while preschool and elementary school teachers continue to work as part of the emergency service, school buses have ceased to operate. This leaves parents responsible for taking their children to the institution.

Kim Do-yeon, 35, an office worker and a mother of a three-year-old son, said she had no choice but to ask for help from her parents.

“I'm going to ask my parents to take care of my son until the preschool is open again, but I'm seriously considering whether all family members should take it in turns to take leave if the schools decide to delay their opening for more than a week,” Kim said.

Lee Ji-hyo, another working mother with a four-year-old son, said she is also in a dilemma over whether or not to send her son to the emergency care service provided by his preschool.

“I don't want my son to be alone in the school while the majority of his friends are staying at home, but I don't know what I should do in this unprecedented situation,” Lee said.

In regard to the difficulties parents are facing, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) said it will first determine the precise demand for an emergency care service, and then work to ensure it operates efficiently for working parents.

“The government's decision to delay the spring semester was inevitable in protecting public safety. We ask for parents and educators' cooperation in containing the further spread of the virus,” SMOE Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon said in a statement.