For our patient families, we know this is a very challenging time. Worrying about the health of a sick child, while keeping the rest of your family safe, can intensify an already stressful situation. As teleworking, distance learning, social distancing, and, in some cases, suspended employment temporarily become the “new normal,” the usual routines have suddenly been upended, especially for school-aged children.
School closures have been instituted throughout much of the tri-state area. NY Governor Andrew M. Cuomo ordered all schools closed as of Wednesday, March 18, for two weeks. In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy closed all schools — public, private and parochial — statewide for at least two weeks as of Wednesday, March 18.
All NYC public schools are closed through April 20, 2020. Students will begin online instruction on March 23, and school districts are working to provide loaner tablets and computers for families that do not have access. However, if you do not receive the appropriate technology from your school district and your child is unable to participate in online learning, contact our Educational Liaison, Caitlin Constantino, for assistance at cm3642@cumc.columbia.edu or call 212-305-2354.
Hope & Heroes urges patient families to utilize resources available through state and local agencies, as well as the resources below (which will be updated as needed). Remember, we are here to help you navigate and stay safe! Reach out to us anytime at contact@hopeandheroes.org or call 212.305.1420.
UPDATED MARCH 24, 2020 3:30 PM (EST)
Remote Learning Devices: (Use the drop-down arrow located at the top right to change languages)
Educational Resources:
- Coronavirus updates via New York City Department of Education (DOE).
- Free educational subscriptions for families to use at home.
- Free Wi-Fi service for 60 days, with a new subscription, to families in the area who do not have access to the internet at home. For more information, click here.
Free Online Classes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults:
- Class Central offers free Ivy League courses accessible for anyone to audit.
- Children’s author Mo Willems is giving free virtual daily doodling and drawing lessons for kids daily at 1 PM (EST).
- Scholastic is offering free lessons and projects for kids to stay engaged while at home.
Family Activities:
- Take a virtual field trip.
- Virtually tour a museum.
- Virtually tour the national parks.
- Livestream performances and concerts.
- Meigs Point Nature Center is offering live nature programs on Facebook Live at select times on Tuesdays-Fridays.