Dec. 23, 2019– Santa paid a special surprise visit to the district’s Possibilities and Success Childcare Center for the children of teen parents.
A sleigh full of clothes and toys were delivered to the approximately 26 children who attend the center. The gifts were donated by the daycare staff on the A. Philip Randolph Career Academies’ campus. Jackie Simmons, the district’s Executive Director of Student Discipline and Support Services, dressed as Santa for the surprise.
“I think it’s invaluable to them to know, not only are they a part of the program, but even at a larger scale, the program has so much support for them. They may not see all of us every day (but) they know that they have a team that’s committed to knowing they’re going to be successful beyond high schools,” said Simmons.
The childcare center is one of many support services offered to teen parents who attend Duval County Public Schools, including free child care. Through the Teen Parent Service Center, the district also offers counseling, assistance with health insurance, referrals to prenatal care and support with academic program placement.
