Resources and Recommendations for DCD Families

Take care of yourself

Parenting is always a challenge, and especially so in a crisis. While you are focused on supporting your child and your learning, make sure you are also taking care of your own physical and mental health. Please reach out to DCD and other families if there are ways that we can help you. School Psychologist Erin Albert has resources available on the Living Well at DCD website. Be gentle with yourself and know that you are doing the best you can in an overwhelming time. We are with you – and let us know if we can help.

Encourage independence and allow for productive struggle

Stay engaged in your child’s learning by asking them questions and having them share their thoughts, while encouraging their independence so they can take ownership of their own learning. Some productive struggle is essential to learning, so we ask that parents allow their children to grapple with problems and come up with ideas for tackling them. Stepping in too quickly to help solve problems will deprive your child of the opportunity to learn, try new approaches, and gain greater independence and confidence. If your child becomes discouraged and/or overwhelmed by schoolwork, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher, advisor, or division head.

Establish routines

We suggest that parents establish routines for the online school day. You may find it beneficial to use this Sample Home Schedule for Distance Learning editable template. While routines will be particular to each family, depending on your situation, children’s ages, etc., the following recommendations will be helpful to your student:

  • Set up specific times for school activities, projects, and homework.

  • Leave space for chores, independent free time, and outdoor exploration.

  • Take time for students to dress for “school,” since getting out of PJ’s will be helpful and allow them to create “on” and “off” times for school.

  • Keep in mind recommendations about screen time, in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics' Screen Time Recommendations. Because more of the school day will require interacting with a screen, you may choose to diminish other types of screen use during the rest of the day. We will be aware of this as well and offer both screen and non-screen instruction.

  • For additional activities outside of assigned schoolwork, please visit Tech@DCD's Learning at Home page for recommendations.

  • Engage in family time around meals.

  • Keep normal bedtime routines.

  • Begin and end each day with a check in with your child. Some questions might include: What are you learning today? What resources or help do you need? What went well and what was challenging today?

  • Write down your family's schedule and post it in a central location. You can use the sample schedule (right) as a guide.

Prepare for Learning at Home

Please visit 2020-21 Tech Tips for Families to prepare for using technology to learn at home this year.

Define physical space for your child's study

  • We encourage families to establish a space/location where their children will learn most of the time.

  • If possible, have your child set up in a public/family space, not in a child’s bedroom

  • If possible, set up a place that can be quiet at times and have a strong wireless internet signal

  • Children are often at their best with technology when using it in a space where adults are present and monitoring a child's learning. If it is possible, set your child up in this type of setting.

Stay in communication with your child’s teachers

Your child’s teachers and division head will maintain regular communication with your family. The frequency of the communications will depend on your child’s age, developmental stage, and level of independence. While teachers are available as resources for your child and for you, please keep in mind that our teachers will need to be in regular email communication with all of their families, so please be mindful when communicating with teachers. Please use email as your primary method of contact with teachers; if a complex issue needs discussion, please just use email to establish a time to talk by phone or Zoom.

Help your child follow online etiquette

When participating in live video calls, please make sure that students participate appropriately:

  • Be on time and stay for the duration of the virtual class

  • If possible, please find a quiet place in your home where you can participate, with limited distractions in your background visual or sound

  • Follow the DCD dress code so you look ready for class. This will help create “on” and “off” times during the day (rather than 24/7 PJs!).

  • Review the DCD Technology Promise (right) with your child

  • Students should not create Zoom accounts. Please visit the Zoom Access for Students tutorial to learn how students should access this technology tool.

  • Although we are in an online environment, please remember that online=offline and our classroom rules and honor code apply. We want to be respectful of one another, take care of our devices and class tools, and let an adult know if something doesn't seem right.

Tech AUPromise.pdf

Monitor your child's technology use

While we encourage you to facilitate social interactions for your child and understand that will likely require use of technology, please be sure to monitor closely your child's time online:

  • Help your child engage online socially in polite and respectful manners.

  • Research shows that not all screen time is created equally. If your child is using a device outside of school work, encourage creative activities, such as coding or designing, rather than consumption of video or other media. You can find some examples on Tech@DCD's Learning at Home page.

  • Keep in mind the American Academy of Pediatrics' Screen Time Recommendations (right).

  • Students should not create Zoom accounts. Please visit the Zoom Access for Students tutorial to learn how students should access this technology tool.

  • Many devices now include tools or filters to help parents monitor children's screen time. Research your devices, browsers, or internet providers for information about how to activate those features.

  • We understand that there will be a number of passwords, accounts, and apps to manage in your homes. Please visit this tutorial for tips about How to Manage Multiple Accounts on One Device. Additional tutorials are available to families on the Tech@DCD website's tutorial page.

AAP Recommendations for Children's Media Use

Help your child maintain social contact with peers

It will be very important for your child to stay in social contact (through virtual means) with their friends and peers during this distance learning period. Encourage your child to interact with friends through video calls, phone conversations, or old fashioned letter writing! Social interactions, such as virtual lunch buddies, will help your child stay connected and still feel part of the DCD community. Please remember that for many grade levels, online social time should be monitored by an adult.

Mindfulness resources

Mindfulness Teacher Marie Nagode, Teaching Assistant Meaghan Daniels, and School Psychologist Erin Albert have compiled resources to help your family maintain mindful routines. Please visit the DCD Mindfulness Matters site for resources, activities, and peace of mind.

Talk about COVID-19 with your children

School Psychologist Erin Albert has resources available on the Living Well at DCD website. She specifically recommends the following resources for families facilitating family conversations about COVID-19: