Click here for COVID-19 Fact Sheet: “Urgent Federal Action Needed to Protect California’s Children and Families from Impacts of COVID-19”
ISSUE AREAS
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT COVID-19
- Sesame Street: Sesame Street has filled their site with content you can use all day long to spark playful learning, offer children comfort, and focus a bit on yourself, too during the COVID-19 health crisis.
- Talking to Children About COVID-19: Sesame Street has tips for answering young children’s questions regarding COVID-19 without overloading them with scary information, while still providing comfort.
- Caring For a Family Member with COVID-19 & Dealing with Childcare and School Closings: Healthy Children has information on how to protect your family and others during the COVID-19 health crisis, while also offering advice for reassuring children.
- Working and Learning from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Healthy Children has written a guide with insights on caring for children while working and schooling from home.
- Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home: Health Children has organized tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on helping children feel safe, keep healthy routines, manage their behavior and build resilience.
- Supporting Families During COVID-19: The Child Mind Institute is open and available for you and your child during this crisis with resources to help balance work, child care and self care. Telehealth appointments for ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders and learning disorders are also available.
- Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource.
- Free Kids Educational Resources: There’s 200 free videos, lessons, apps, books, websites and more.
- Scholastic Learn at Home: Day-by-day projects to keep children reading, thinking, and learning.
- Daily Lunch Doodles: Daily virtual videos where kids can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing.
- Free Online Dance Classes: Designed for kids in pre-k through 5th grade, kids can learn more dance moves such as the Irish step. There are even some dances for grown-ups too!
- Does your family have a self-care activity you want to share with others? Check out or My Green is Lime Green Self-Care Contest!
ECONOMIC SECURITY
- Employment Development Department guide applying for unemployment benefits in California
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
- EDD Information for people who are laid off, sick, or caring for family members
- Know Your Rights During COVID-19: The Medical-Legal Community Partnership Los Angeles has put together a resource describing COVID-19 rights and protections around housing, employment, health care, and stimulus payments.
- The California Parent and Youth Helpline: provides support and resource referrals to parent and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text 1-855-4APARENT (855-427-2736) for services in English, Spanish and other languages.
IMMIGRANT FAMILIES
- Medi-Cal COVID-19 PE program: Presumptive Eligibility for Medi-Cal is available so that all individuals may seek access all medically necessary care related to COVID-19 at no cost to the individual.
- Disaster Relief Fund and CA Immigrant Resilience Fund: The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is providing one-time disaster relief assistance to undocumented adult immigrants impacted by COVID-19, who are ineligible for most other forms of pandemic assistance, including direct assistance under the CARES Act and unemployment insurance.1
- (sp) [not yet available in Spanish]
- Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Public Programs: The Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign has compiled a general overview of some of the federal public programs available to support individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis under existing law, as well as the recently passed federal aid packages.
- Understanding the Impact of Key Provisions of COVID-19 Federal Relief Bills on Immigrant Communities: The National Immigration Law Center has written a policy brief to provide information on the COVID-19 relief package’s impact on low-income immigrants and suggestions for urgently needed improvements in any future relief bills, with a focus on health, public benefits, economic support, and employment protections.
- Undocumented Workers’ Employment Rights: Legal Aid At Work provides an overview of frequently asked questions regarding Undocumented Workers’ Employment Rights.
- CIPC resource guide: The California Immigrant Policy Center has organized a guide of COVID-19 resources for immigrants in California.
- COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Californians: The California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance has created a list of resources for undocumented Californians.
INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY ACCESS
- CA Department of Education, Getting Internet Access: CDE has listed a table containing special offers extended by various providers throughout the state.
- Internet for All Now: Several Internet Service Providers offer low-cost, affordable Home Internet for qualifying low-income households.
- 14 Tips for Helping Students with Limited Internet Have Distance Learning: The MindShift community shares strategies, tips or activities to do distance learning with students who only have access to cellphones and limited data or internet.
- Tech Against Coronavirus. This collection of resources includes online learning platforms and video conferencing tools for educators to connect with students.
- Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books & More: is a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.
- Learning Heroes (bilingual) a “roadmap” to help parents keep their children on track with math, reading, life skills and more while school is closed
- The Help Group – Virtual Parenting Classes: These classes will provide you with strategies and knowledge to help you create your own parenting style. We will focus on empathy training, setting limits, brain development and expanding your emotional vocabulary.
- EveryoneOn is a nonprofit dedicated to creating social and economic opportunity by connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers, and delivering digital skills trainings.
- Microsoft Digital Literacy
- Grow with Google
En Español:
Digital Citizenship and Distance Learning
NUTRITION & FOOD ACCESS
- CA Meals for Kids Mobile Application: The CA Meals for Kids mobile application helps you find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites through your iOS, Android, or Microsoft devices.
- LAUSD Resource Guide: The County of Los Angeles has listed food resources available through COVID-19 response efforts.
- Nutrition Workshops: Tune in weekly on Facebook for virtual nutrition workshops in English and Spanish with LA Trust and CalFresh
- Know Your Rights During COVID-19: The Medical-Legal Community Partnership Los Angeles has put together a resource describing COVID-19 rights and protections around housing, employment, health care, and stimulus payments.
- The California Parent and Youth Helpline: provides support and resource referrals to parent and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text 1-855-4APARENT (855-427-2736) for services in English, Spanish and other languages.
- CalFresh & Medi-Cal Eligibility Screener: Alluma has launched an online Quick Screener tool for public use, to help millions of Californians check if they are likely eligible for California’s food and health insurance assistance programs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal.
- 5 Things to Know about P-EBT: California Food Policy Advocates and Western Center for Law & Poverty have developed a fact sheet with updates and information regarding California’s P-EBT, along with additional resources.
- P-EBT FAQ: An FAQ developed by the California Food Policy Advocates intended to answer pressing questions about the extension of the P-EBT application deadline, application processing times, changes in address, and how to get help with P-EBT, among other topics.
HEALTH
- CA Department of Public Health, COVID-19 Resources: The California Department of Public Health has listed resources and information for various frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19.
- Supporting Children’s Health During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: The National Institute for Children’s Health equity has listed potential solutions and relevant resources to address the potential far reaching overall impact COVID-19 will have on children’s health outcomes.
- Tips for Physical Distancing in a Multigenerational Home
- Harm Reduction Tips: Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Staying Safe During COVID-19: Resources and Support for Those Coping with Abuse During COVID-19 “Stay at Home” Directive
- Interactive guide to safety planning: If you have safe access to a computer, you can use this Interactive Safety Planning Guide to help keep yourself safe, created by Loveisrespect a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, text LOVEIS to 22522. Anyone facing abuse of any kind can call this hotline.
- RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline): call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- The National Child Abuse Hotline
- Adult Abuse Hotline: call 1-800-222-8000
- Know Your Rights During COVID-19: The Medical-Legal Community Partnership Los Angeles has put together a resource describing COVID-19 rights and protections around housing, employment, health care, and stimulus payments.
- The California Parent and Youth Helpline provides support and resource referrals to parent and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text 1-855-4APARENT (855-427-2736) for services in English, Spanish and other languages.
- CalFresh & Medi-Cal Eligibility Screener: Alluma has launched an online Quick Screener tool for public use, to help millions of Californians check if they are likely eligible for California’s food and health insurance assistance programs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal.
MENTAL HEALTH
- CA Peer-Run Warm Line: The Peer-Run Warm Line (1-855-845-7415) is a non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking emotional support. They provide assistance via phone and webchat on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need.
- CA Youth Crisis Line: The California Youth Crisis Line (CYCL) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week as the statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis.
- Steinberg Institute MH Youth Services: The Steinberg Institute has compiled a list of resources to support youth’s mental wellness throughout California.
- How teenagers can protect their mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19): UNICEF has organize 6 strategies for teens facing a new (temporary) normal.
- Child Trends provides recommendations and resources to support children’s emotional well-being
- Tips for Self-Care During COVID-19
- SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Line: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Teen Line: Text “TEEN” to 839863 between 6:00pm-9:00pm PST for teen-to-teen education and support or send an email using their website.
- Older Californians can stay connected with their communities during isolation, and receive help accessing food or medical supplies by calling 833-544-2374.
- CDC: Mental Health & Coping During COVID-19
- CDC: Stigma and Resilience During COVID-19
- CDC: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
- SAMHSA: Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease
- CDPH and ACEs Connection created this flyer to provide families with tips and resources to cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- CDPH y ACEs Connection crearon este folleto para ofrecerles a las familias consejos y recursos para enfrentar el estrés durante la pandemia de COVID-19.
TELEHEALTH
- Telehealth Mental Health Services for Children & Teens: The Child Mind Institute’s gold-standard, evidence-based care for children, teens, young adults and families is now being provided via telehealth.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
(enrichment and learning)
- CA Dept of Ed Frequently Asked Questions for Early Learning and Care Programs
- Reading Tips for Parents in 13 languages: Colorín Colorado has one-page Reading Tip Sheets available in thirteen languages that offer ideas for parents to help kids become successful readers.
- Ideas for Baby’s Development While at Home: Healthy Children offers ideas for caretakers looking for new ways to entertain and play with your young child during social distancing.
- Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books & More: is a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.
EDUCATION
(learning)
- KQED At-Home Learning Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Supporting English Learners during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Resources for Learning at Home When Schools Close. Shares virtual resources by subject area, along with instructional planning and family communication tips.
- Distance Learning Classroom Resources for Students. PBS NewsHour is updating this collection of teacher-produced resources and lesson plans on current events, government and civics, and more.
- Distance Learning for Immigrant families and English Learner students: Privacy Considerations
ESPAÑOL
- FDA:
- Guía sobre COVID-19 (Departamento de Salud Pública de California, CDPH):
- Recursos del gobierno de California
- Video educacional de Abriendo Puertas sobre COVID-19
- Actividades sin pantalla para hacer en casa con niños: Estos recursos, recomendados por Abriendo Puertas y Early Edge, enfatizan la importancia del tiempo de pantalla consciente y alientan las actividades que no requieren un dispositivo.
- Sección Amarilla: 10 actividades en casa para niños y niñas
- HealthyChildren.org: 10 actividades sin costo y lejos de una pantalla
- Conmishijos: 20-entretenidas-actividades-para-hacer-con-los-niños-en-casa
- La Diversiva: 70 ideas fáciles para jugar con los peques dentro de casa
- Zero to Three: ¡Juega conmigo! Actividades que hacen divertido el aprendizaje desde el nacimiento hasta los doce meses. (0-12 months)
- Nutrition Workshops: Tune in weekly on Facebook for virtual nutrition workshops in English and Spanish with LA Trust and CalFresh.
- Know Your Rights During COVID-19: The Medical-Legal Community Partnership Los Angeles has put together a resource describing COVID-19 rights and protections around housing, employment, health care, and stimulus payments.
- The California Parent and Youth Helpline: provides support and resource referrals to parent and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text 1-855-4APARENT (855-427-2736) for services in English, Spanish and other languages.
- La Guía de Estrategias del Asesor General de Salud Publica de California: Alivio del estrés durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 se ha traducido a los siguientes idiomas: árabe, chino, coreano, español, tagalo y vietnamita.
- California Connected Contact Tracing: Under this program, health workers will talk to those who have tested positive. They’ll alert anyone they may have exposed, keeping names confidential. Contact tracing is an anonymous way to do your part. The more people answer the call, the more lives and jobs California saves. Your information is always kept confidential. Available in multiple languages: English | Spanish | Traditional Chinese | Simplified Chinese | Korean | Armenian | Tagalog | Arabic | Farsi | Cambodian | Russian | Japanese | Vietnamese
LGBTQ+
- COVID-19 LGBTQ+ Help Center: Equality California has launched a help center website and hotline for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Includes full lists of service providers in all 53 counties and will feature free webinars for people out of work.
REGION SPECIFIC
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
- LA Care Teladoc: Talk to a doctor by calling Teladoc or by scheduling a video chat on the Teladoc app to treat non-emergency medical issues. Teledoc doctors can prescribe medication if necessary, which you can pick up at your local pharmacy.
- LA Community Resources Guide – COVID-19 provides a comprehensive resource guide from the LA City Board of Public Works and LA Department of Public Health, including financial, health, mental health, domestic violence, food, housing, education, immigration and other resources for LA County residents.
- California Connected Contact Tracing: Under this program, health workers will talk to those who have tested positive. They’ll alert anyone they may have exposed, keeping names confidential. Contact tracing is an anonymous way to do your part. The more people answer the call, the more lives and jobs California saves. Your information is always kept confidential. Available in multiple languages: English | Spanish | Traditional Chinese | Simplified Chinese | Korean | Armenian | Tagalog | Arabic | Farsi | Cambodian | Russian | Japanese | Vietnamese
ORANGE COUNTY
- Senior Center Lunch Cafe Locations: Meals on Wheels Orange County delivers nutritious meals at community centers in the following cities providing a hot, nutritious lunch to older adults.
- Anaheim Union High School District and Brea Olinda Unified School District are offering meals to children ages 18 and under.
- The Buena Park School District will provide drive-thru meals to community members with children 18 and under at two of its campuses.
- *Children must be present to receive meals*
- Centralia School District will provide free meals to children 18 and under.
- *Children must be present to receive meals*
- Fullerton School District will be offering free breakfast and lunch to children under the age of 18 via curb-side pickup at all school locations.
- *Children must be present to receive meals*
- Fullerton Joint Union High School District will provide free lunches to children ages 18 and under.
- La Habra City School District will offer grab-and-go curbside lunches for children ages 18 and under at three of its campuses from 9 am to 12 pm.
- *Children must be present to receive lunch*
- Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to all children ages 18 and under from 9 am to 11 am at four of its campuses.
- *Children must be present to receive lunch*
- Savanna School District will provide free lunches for children ages 18 and under at various times and campuses.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS/EDUCATORS & PARENTS
- Check out the #virtualschool hashtag on your social media feeds. During Education Week, teachers shared examples of how they are collaborating during school closures, including through virtual professional learning communities and resource-sharing.
- Sample Daily Schedules by Khan Academy.
- These schedules are meant to be templates that you could adopt as is or copy and modify to better suit the needs of your children, classroom or district.
- Resources, Strategies, Considerations, and Articles for Educators Teaching at Home Due to COVID-19.
- Members of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) are curating this list of resources and strategies for teachers, along with tips for implementation.
- Resource Hub for Online Learning.
- Instruction Partners shares resources, tools, and guidance to support school and system leaders in planning for school closures and supporting continued learning for students.
- Free, Emergency Virtual-Learning Resources for Every School:
- Resources intended for students in K-12 including articles images, videos and primary sources of information, presented in an “engaging interface,” optimized for smart devices. The resources are translated into multiple languages.
- Children’s Data Privacy During COVID-19 Closures: 10 Questions to Ask
- US Department of Education: Protecting Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Services: Requirements and Best Practices