Parents forced to find a place for their kids to go as St. Paul teachers strike begins

With St. Paul teachers on strike, classes are canceled and parents have to find somewhere for their kids to go.

Some parents, like Jeff Harris, took a surprise field trip to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul. 

"Ideally, we would have the kids in school," Harris said. "Hopefully, they can resolve this quickly so kids can get back to school and we don't have to plan field trips." 

The Salvation Army is initiating plans to provide an option for concerned St. Paul's parents. The Salvation Army's St. Paul locations will be hosting temporary day camps during the strike to provide a safe place for students during the school day hours. 

"Right now, the plan is as long as the teachers are on strike, we will stand by to take as many as we can," Captain Jared Collins said. "That's why the Salvation Army is here to meet the needs of our community."

No deal reached, St. Paul educators strike and classes canceled

The Salvation Army will offer camps for grades K-8 at its 401 7th St. W. location. Programming for grades 9-12 will occur at 1019 Payne Ave. location.

Both camps will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the duration of the strike, and lunch will be provided.

Advance registration is required and spaces are very limited. Parents interested in securing a space for their children may stop by the respective centers to fill out registration forms or call for more information at 651-224-4316 (West 7th) or 651-776-8169 (Payne). 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is keeping it's Saint Paul locations open all day during the strike. They're serving breakfast and lunch to kids free of charge. The organization is also waving the $5 are yearly membership fee during the strike. 

The St. Paul locations that will be a safe site for students are: 

Parents and guardians that are interested in having their child or children attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities during the teacher strike should contact their local club on Monday or Tuesday to complete registration paperwork.