Resources for Families in Response to COVID-19

Below are resources, videos, social stories and more for our families to help navigate this unprecedented time.

 Articles and News:

• Positive News from All Around the World – https://www.instagram.com/the_happy_broadcast/
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child – https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fschools-childcare%2Ftalking-with-children.html
• Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19 – https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Coping-with-Stress-During-Infectious-Disease-Outbreaks/sma14-4885
• National Association of School Psychologists, Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource – https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/3870c72d-fff9-4ed7-833f-215de278d256/UploadedImages/PDFs/02292020_NASP_NASN_COVID-19_parent_handout.pdf
• Working at home during the coronavirus crisis with kids underfoot? Here are 9 ways to cope
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/working-at-home-with-kids-during-covid-19-crisis-with-kids-underfoot.html
  • Video – https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/03/17/employees-facing-challenges-working-from-home-amid-coronavirus-outbreak.html
• Very child-friendly way to speak about COVID-19 written by Deborah Farmer Kris, a writer, teacher, parent educator, and school administrator – https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak – https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4894.pdf
• Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4885.pdf
• How To Cope With Sheltering in Place – https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4893.pdf

Videos:

• Child Mind Institute Video (2-mins), Stay Active – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_100tYE66jw&feature=youtu.be
• Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities  (3-minute video), Coronavirus Tips for Staying Healthy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Yl-BesvDw&feature=youtu.be
• Stephen Curry, NBA Superstar, is joined by Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to talk all about COVID-19 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuX826AGXWU&feature=youtu.be

Social Story:

• Social Story offered by Jeffersonhttps://hospitals.jefferson.edu/departments-and-services/center-for-autism-and-neurodiversity.html And related pdf:https://hospitals.jefferson.edu/departments-and-services/center-for-autism-and-neurodiversity/resources.html.html

Fun Games and Apps for your Child:

• Free access to BrainPOP’s website. “Continue learning at home with BrainPOP’s entertaining and rigorous resources, and keep your children engaged and on-track.” – BrainPOP – https://go.brainpop.com/family/home
• There is an app named Houseparty that allows you to play games with a number of people on your phone. Read more about Houseparty – https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a31818299/houseparty-app/
• Free Access to Calm App Resources (meditations, music, and etc.) – https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath
• 14-Day Free Trial to Glo (Yoga App) – https://www.glo.com/register

Mental Health:

• Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
• Learn about a disasters’ potential to cause psychological stress, warning signs of distress, and tips for coping. Also offering assistance, through texting or calling, in helping us through this moment. –https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/pep12-ddhbro.pdf  

Additional Resources:

• What to do if you can’t make rent or mortgage payments – https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/18/what-to-do-if-you-cant-make-your-rent-or-mortgage-payments.html
• Rental Assistancehttp://philadelphiaofficeofhomelessservices.org/stay-in-my-home/assistance-with-my-rent/
• Utility Assistance: If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your service provider right away. Many utility service providers offer emergency assistance programs.
• Pennsylvania Utility Commission – http://www.puc.state.pa.us/
• Information from the Federal Government – https://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills
• 2-1-1 United Way utility assistance resources in PA:
  • Electric Service Payment Assistance – https://www.navigateresources.net/penn/MatchList.aspx?k%3b%3b0%3b%3bN%3b0%3b14891%3bElectric%20Service%20Payment%20Assistance%3bTopServices%3bAll
  • Gas Service Payment Assistance – https://www.navigateresources.net/penn/MatchList.aspx?k%3b%3b0%3b%3bN%3b0%3b14891%3bGas%20Service%20Payment%20Assistance%3bTopServices%3bAll
  • Utility Assistance – https://www.navigateresources.net/penn/MatchList.aspx?k%3b%3b0%3b%3bN%3b0%3b14891%3bUtility%20Assistance%3bTopServices%3bAll
  • Water Services Payment Assistance – https://www.navigateresources.net/penn/MatchList.aspx?k%3b%3b0%3b%3bN%3b0%3b14891%3bWater%20Service%20Payment%20Assistance%3bTopServices%3bAll