Registration is now open for an employment program hosted by the Single Parent Association.

The 9-week virtual program is meant to provide single parents the skills they need to re-enter the workforce or return to school.

Executive Director Sonya Smith says there are a number of additional barriers for single parents at work and in the classroom.

She says finding childcare can be a challenge when that parent is the only caretaker. Transportation is also a barrier for many as rural areas do not offer public transportation and not everyone has access to a car.

Smith says the program gives parents the options to explore things such as working from home. She says a single mom who recently completed the program has been so successful in working from home that she was able to come off income support.

The single mom was able to avoid any issues finding childcare and transportation, and while it isn’t easy, she is able to support herself and her son.

The deadline to register for the program is January 23.