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Parents preparing for extended school closure due to coronavirus concerns

Posted at 6:30 PM, Mar 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-16 18:43:33-04

CLEVELAND — When the bell rang Monday afternoon at schools across Ohio, it signaled that schools are out for at least three weeks.

Many schools in our area closed their doors on Friday. The extended spring break caused some parents to make quick decisions about child care.

“We’re just trying to figure this all out right now,” said Erin Turner, mother of three.

Turner is the mother of 12-year-old twin girls and a 3-year-old boy.

She is also the Executive Director for the Northeast and Northwest March of Dimes.

Turner usually works from home, but now her kids are at home too.

“I’m going to have to get creative as the way I balance my time and spend my time at work. I think I’m going to schedule calls and meetings online when my 3-year-old is napping,” Turner said.

Experts stress that keeping children on a routine is critical, waking up at the same time, structuring academic time and creative time.There are a lot of activities that are canceled as well.

For Turner’s two daughters, they play volleyball and the school play.

“I’m kinda sad,” said Ava Jerro.

“The option of making it like a movie instead of a normal play on stage,” said Tea Jerro.

Governor DeWine signaled that schools could be out longer than three weeks.

“No one knows. I have advised the superintendents of school districts that they should prepare for this to last for an extended period of time,” said DeWine.