COVID-19 Resources
In a time when families are inundated with resources, we have cultivated a collection of some of our favorites. Please reach out to us for support finding other information not found here that you would find helpful. We are here for you.
Resources are organized under headings of COVID-19 Specific Resources, Parenting Resources, Activities with Children, Resources by Geographical Area, and Advocacy.
- Back to School Resources– as we navigate school age care and remote learning, here is a page of resources put together by Child Care Aware of Washington. This is appropriate both for families and child care providers.
- Childmind.org is a great spot for resources during this fluctuating time, all in one convenient starting point. Many resources are also available in Spanish.
- At the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, you can join Early Childhood Specialist and DCRC National Trainer Nefertiti Poyer for helpful tips and short videos on staying positive and resilient.
- Supporting mental wellness and family life during Covid-19 from Seattle Children’s Hospital. This page will connect you with Facebook Live discussions and support with a mental health and wellness focus.
- St. Jude’s Hospital offers support on talking with your child about the Corona virus. Among its resources is a downloadable coloring book in English, Spanish or Arabic.
- The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University also has many resources for Activities, Guidance for Parents and Caregivers, Food Insecurity, and other topics.
- NAEYC has collected special resources for families as well as early learning professionals.
- Ready Rosie’s Healthy at Home toolkit is free, and a source to support your family with information and resources.
- Free online mindfulness exercises from Space Between, a Seattle non-profit.
- Working from home for the first time and need support? You may find value in Jeff Sander’s recent podcast “The High Achiever’s Guide to Working (and Thriving) From Home.” His wife joins him in this episode and together they acknowledge how they’ve had to find “new normal” ways of working from home. (It’s different when others are also home!)
- Looking for Child Care or other resources? Child Care Aware of Washington has been Washington’s most trusted child care resource for 30 years. Licensed child care is currently available!
- Are you a nonprofit in Washington state navigating the complexities of PPP loans? Visit Washington Nonprofits.
- Kaleidoscope Play and Learn groups have experienced facilitators that provide opportunities for play and for caregivers to develop their personal support networks, as well as offer valuable child development information. Contact us to get support in finding a group near you, and find out if they have online support during this stay at home period. For more information, click here.
- Programs for Early Parents Support, or PEPS is now in south Snohomish county. Their COVID-19 resources include self-regulation cards to print out, podcasts, paid family leave, free internet for families, and the Fussy Baby Site Support group to name a few.
- Conscious Discipline offers behavior guidance resources. An interactive model that lets you see how Shubert’s family uses Conscious Discipline techniques throughout his home.
- Sesame Street has developed tool kits for Parents and Caregivers. They have also developed a COVID-19 support page, with some help from their furry friends.
- For Child Development expertise, please visit Zero to Three.
- Big Life Journal specializes in cultivating a growth mindset. Be sure to check out their free Stay At Home Care Package!
- Looking for a Montessori approach? Free Montessori at Home resources and information may be found through American Montessori Society and Aid to Life. Additionally, distance learning support can be found at Guidepost Montessori Family Framework. There are free membership plans as well as upgraded levels available through Guidepost.
- Child Care Resources has gathered a number of educational resources and activities for the birth to five scene.
- VROOM is our first stop source for brain building activities and child development tips. Download the app for convenience of ideas you can try anywhere, anytime.
- Hands On As We Grow– Activities by age, learning or activity domain, with many free resources such as 50 Toddler Activities.
- Kaleidoscope Play and Learn has cultivated a Pinterest Board with lots of activities ideas for children ages 0-5!
- There are several family guides published online with events and resources throughout the year. Here is just one example that we found highlighting 110 Fun At Home Activities for Families.
- Have an older child? Coding is an activity for children as young as 4 can go lead into adulthood, developing a skill for children while also supporting a child’s ability to express themselves visually. Check out the links to resources and this article on How Coding Provides Skills That Can Help Children Cope with Distress.
Resources by Geographical Area:
Here is an overall list of resources for Western Washington, compiled by University of Washington College of Education faculty.
Other more local resources:
- Child Care Aware’s Advocacy page can help keep you informed with data and current issues. The Action Center can quickly connect you with legislators.
- Child Care Aware of America works at the national level with opportunity for you to take action, providing you with resources, and elevating your ability to share your impact story. Military families may also be aware of their role with fee assistance and respite care.
- The Children’s Alliance and in particular the Early Learning Action Alliance (ELAA) is another great resource for advocacy in Washington state.