Supporting Children and Families during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Wearing Masks
As face masks become part of the arsenal against the spread of COVID-19, parents can use these resources to help children feel more comfortable.
These scripted stories from NCPMI, with their colorful and fun photographs of children and families, help explain to children the how, why, and when of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also available in Spanish: Usando Mascaras
Helping Children Understand Emotions When Wearing Masks
These tips and ideas help children identify emotions when faces, the most expressive feature, is covered by a mask. Parents can use these strategies to let children know that behind the mask, a kind and warm expression is still there!
FAQs About Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness (Head Start ECLKC)
Finding affordable housing was challenging for many families before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the pandemic, families now increasingly face rental debt, evictions, and the loss of basic housing security.
Housing stability ensures children and families experience less stress and experience overall well-being, including physical and mental health. You can assist families in finding stable housing through your ongoing partnerships with the Public Housing Authority (PHA), Continuum of Care program (CoC), and other community partnerships.
Explore these resources to connect families with local organizations that provide housing assistance through newly created programs under the American Rescue Plan or existing programs. The resources also includes helpful links to support families experiencing housing instability.
8 Reasons to say YES to Early Intervention for your child who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing(D/HH) …What are you waiting for? (Hands & Voices)
The Hands & Voices Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) Center's new infographic 8 Reasons to Say Yes to Early Intervention for your Child who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing(D/HH) …What are you waiting for? illustrates to families the positive aspects of early intervention. It provides information to help all families, regardless of the degree of their child's hearing loss/level or communication/language, understand and advocate for early intervention services when needed for their child. Providers can also share the resource when discussing early intervention and its importance.
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 (NASP)
Children need factual, age appropriate information about the potential seriousness of disease risk and concrete instruction about how to avoid infections and spread of disease. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.
Helping Your Child During the Pandemic (NCPMI)
With the increasing prevalence of Coronavirus, caregivers might be feeling challenged by the change in routines, the need for social distancing, or fear and anxiety. Children might also be feeling this way, too. The following tips offer some guidance for caregivers supporting children at this time.
Why Can't I Go To School? (NCPMI)
This scripted story is a resource families can use to talk with and support their child during the pandemic.
Mindfulness Practices for Families (ZERO to THREE)
When parents and children are feeling big emotions, such as those that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the simple mindfulness activities in this article can help. These exercises are designed to help both parent and child experience a sense of calm connection.
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (NCTSN)
This flyer can help parents and caregivers think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect them- both physically and emotionally- and what they can do to help children cope.
Resources for Supporting Children's Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Child Trends)
This guidance, recommendations, and resources are provided by child trauma experts at Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts, with funding from SAMHSA and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and additional support from HRSA.
Resources to help Families during COVID-19 (Fred Rogers Productions)
Fred Rogers Productions offers a compilation of virtual events, activities, and other social initiatives for children and families to use during the COVID-19 crisis. They are also sharing one activity, craft or recipe each day on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (NAFSCE)
NAFSCE has assembled a collection of learning resources, free or reduced cost services, and information sources related to engaging families.
Supporting Children and Ourselves: Coping during Covid 19
This series of modules from Dr. Kevin Plummer provides guidelines to help parents support their children while they are home from school.
Supporting Families During COVID-19 (Child Mind Institute)
Stress during this pandemic is like no other stress we've experienced before, which is why large numbers of educators and service providers are breaking down and experiencing uncontrolled stress responses. This toolkit gives specific instruction to support individuals to interrupt the stress response and reset their brains and bodies.
Tips for Families: Coronavirus (ZERO TO THREE)
Zero to Three offers tips for families including age appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing.
Tips for Supporting Yourself During the Pandemic (NCPMI)
As concern increases over the spread of the coronavirus, families might be feeling vulnerable, concerned, or anxious. This document includes suggestions and resources to help families take care of themselves so they can support their children.
Early Childhood Focused COVID-19 Resources for Parents (ECDAN)
These include national and international resources for early childhood professionals and families. Some resources are provided in multiple languages.