Resources to support families while sheltering-in-place
This list is not exhaustive, but aims to help families know about a variety of developmentally appropriate and engaging ways to support their children during this unprecedented health crisis. Refer to our COVID-19 Child Care Resources post for related information.
Organizations
- Child Care Aware - News and Resources
- PBS Kids - Kids Regressing? Help Them Cope with Stress During Coronavirus
- Schoenbaum and Crane Centers - COVID-19 Resources
- Unicef - Supporting Your Child's Mental Health as They Return to School During COVID-19
- U.S. Department of Agriculture - Meals for Kids interactive map
- Wayne State University - Parenting tips for dads during the COVID-19 crisis
- ZERO TO THREE - Coroavirus Tips for Families
Includes resources on talking about the Coronavirus, self-care & time at home, and staying connected
Educational
- Wide Open School
Online teaching resources for teachers and families, curated by Common Sense Media - Educational Opportunities from Home
Nearly 50 educational websites including target age group - QED with Dr. B
Explore how scientific discoveries impact our daily lives - Science Mom Daily Shows
2 hour livestream show that is available on Facebook & YouTube (Science Mom on YouTube). The shows will each have science and math lessons, crafts and games. - National Geographic Kids
Explore animals, nature, and the world - Cincinnati Zoo on Facebook Live
Each weekday at 3p EST the Cincinnati Zoo will go live to highlight one of their animals, and will even have an activity for kids at home. - Columbus Zoo on Facebook Live
Episodes are only a few minutes long, but questions about the animal kingdom are answered in an entertaining way. - City of Los Altos – fun activities to keep you busy during the COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place
- Some schools and non-profits, such as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning and The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, have resources for social and emotional learning. Check to see if your school has tips and guidelines to help support social and emotional needs of your child.
- Lesson Plans for 6-8th graders about the Great Wall of China
- Institute of Education Sciences – blog entry about Activities for Students and Families Stuck at Home due to COVID-19
- Ohio-specific family activities from the Ohio Department of Health
- Check your state or territory's Department of Health website here
- Check your state or territory's Department of Education website here
- Check listings for your local PBS station here
- Your local public library likely subscribes to online resources including ebooks, emagazines, audio books, streaming movie services, and streaming music services. Check your local library here
Family members may also find the Virtual Lab School's professional development coursework helpful, such as:
- Social Emotional Learning for Teachers
While the course is aimed at early childhood teachers, caregivers can use this course to better learn how to manage their own stress - Cognitive Development
Learn more about how interactions, experiences, and activities can affect your child's cognitive development - Learning Environments
Learn how to create an organized indoor space that encourages exploration and learning - Language Development
Gain appreciation for your family's linguistic cultural heritage - And more
All course content is publicly available to anyone with an internet connection
Families with interest in early childhood development may want to try Purdue's Early Learning Maters (ELM) curriculum materials
- For infants and toddlers
- For preschoolers
Movement
- GoNoodle Get Moving
Use GoNoodle's video library to get your kids moving, and to help get the wiggles out. GoNoodle YouTube channel - Move Your Way
Includes videos and an app to help keep your family moving - Society of Health and Physical Educators
Resources & Publications include Teacher's Toolbox, and COVID resources - Cosmic Kids Yoga
Fun themed yoga workouts for kids, including themes about dealing with life situations. PopSugar also recommends 10 other YouTube channels that encourage children to move. - State of Alaska's Play Every Day
Get physical activity ideas, watch exercise-themed videos, read health tips, and more
Virtual Tours
Additional Resources
- COVID-19 Resources for Individuals and Families
- COVID-19 Resources from SAMHSA
- Food Assistance
- SNAP State Directory of Resources
- USA.gov's Guide to Mental Health Resources from the Government
Do you have a resource to share? Send us an email.