Limited Access

Poverty affects parents’ and caregivers’ ability to have a physical presence in the school by limiting their practical access. They may have no way of getting to the school, or the money to do so. Their work schedules (night shifts, multiple jobs) may curtail their free time during the day. Single parents or caregivers may experience even greater challenges since they have no spouse to step in when they are unavailable. Paying for a babysitter is costly. Even the ability to ensure a virtual connection with the school may be limited for parents and caregivers without the means to purchase a computer and internet.