FOR UPDATES ON THE COVID-19 CRISIS AS IT DEVELOPS, VISIT CDC AND MASS DPH.
There are many ways to navigate this time, and you and your family know your needs more than anyone else. We ask that you approach these resources in a way that makes sense to you. Let this list act as nothing more than a set of suggestions if you find yourself wanting them. Our request is that you take care of yourself and your family in whatever way feels best for you free of judgement or expectation.
If you are in need of direct assistance, visit our Behavioral Health Resources page for a list of reliable resources and partners. Below are a list of resources for families to use as they navigate questions regarding COVID-19, school reopening, and policy considerations for children and youth:
School Reopening
MassAIMH “Going Back to School”social story to help prepare young children for return to school. Download it to customize it for the children in your life. MassAIMH has also gathered resources/tipsheets from their partners in the National Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. These are located at the bottom of their page.
National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations Resources and practices for reopening, including a framework for parents to use when relaying to teachers how to best support their child. ENGLISH | SPANISH
PPAL Parent & Caregiver Support Groups meet regularly and offer an opportunity for parents to come together to discuss parenting challenges and triumphs, and learn from one another. All groups are meeting virtually for safety concerns.
Federation for Children with Special Needs has created a resource page dedicated to providing health and educational guidance, and information to help families prepare for return to school in September. Resources include a school reopening FAQ, a list of guidelines provided by different government agencies (EEC, DESE, etc), as well as guidance on IEPs, waivers, and other laws governing special education.
Exceptional Lives back to school checklist for families of children with special needs, including managing anxiety, mask wearing, and supporting learning at home.
LUNCH & LEARN: NAVIGATING SPECIAL EDUCATION DURING COVID-19: Watch the webinar HERE. Click here to access the toolkit and FAQ about this topic.
LUNCH & LEARN: NAVIGATING SPECIAL EDUCATION AS WE RETURN TO SCHOOL: Watch the webinar, view the slides, access the toolkit and FAQ for tracking students’ remote learning.
Behavioral Health Policy & Advocacy Considerations
MHAP for Kids White Paper on advocating for youth access to mental health services during a pandemic
Boston Children’s Hospital webinar on children’s mental health considerations during COVID-19, including a discussion of tele-psychiatry, special considerations for children and teens out of school, and the current policy landscape. For a full list of BCH resources, click here.
Office of the Child Advocate Report on recommendations for supporting children and families who have experienced trauma and stress during the pandemic. This report includes recommendations for the expansion of MHAP for Kids.
Navigating COVID-19
PPAL Rebuilding your network and engaging in self-care during COVID-19.
The NAN Project resource guide for young adults for navigating COVID-19
The NAN Project resource guide for caregivers, teachers, and staff
Baylor University Vaccines for Children and Adolescents: Lessons and Activities
Harvard Graduate School of Education video on helping children cope with anxiety surrounding coronavirus.
Head Start supporting children experiencing trauma
PBS Kids talking to children about COVID-19