Distance Learning Orientation Videos
How to Talk to Your Children about COVID-19
Specific Guidelines (From the National Association of School Psychologists)
Remain calm and reassuring.
- Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions.
- What you say and do about COVID-19, current prevention efforts, and related events can either increase or decrease your children’s anxiety.
- If true, emphasize to your children that they and your family are fine.
- Remind them that you and the adults at their school are there to keep them safe and healthy.
- Let your children talk about their feelings and help reframe their concerns into the appropriate perspective.
Make yourself available.
- Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
- It is important that they know they have someone who will listen to them; make time for them.
- Tell them you love them and give them plenty of affection.
Avoid excessive blaming.
- When tensions are high, sometimes we try to blame someone.
- It is important to avoid stereotyping any one group of people as responsible for the virus.
- Be aware of any comments that other adults are having around your family. You may have to explain what comments mean if they are different from the values that you have at home.
Full list of guidelines on how to talk to your children about COVID-19
Free Online Enrichment Resources
Please explore the free online enrichment resources for families to utilize during school closures. We will continue to add to this list as we identify additional resources. Most resources do not require a log-in, unless otherwise indicated.
COVID-19 Resources
CDC What you need to know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
CDC What you need to know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Spanish
CDC The Flu: A Guide for Parents
CDC The Flu: A Guide for Parents – Spanish
CDC The Flu: A Guide for Parents Brochure
CDC The Flu: A Guide for Parents Brochure – Spanish
CDC Talking to Children About Flu
CDC The Flu: A Guide for Parents Kids Activity Sheet
CDC A Flu Guide for Parents of Children or Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions
CDC How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Help Slow the Spread of Flu
COVID Stop the Spread of Germs
COVID Stop the Spread of Germs – Spanish
COVID What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
COVID What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Spanish
Parent Resource from NASP About Talking to Children About COVID-19
CDC Hand Washing PDF – Spanish
California Labor and Workforce Development Guidance Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers – Labor Workforce & Development Agency
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Employment Development Department (EDD)
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) FAQs on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office – Department of Industrial Relations