"The New Jersey Department of Education has provided guidance and a list of resources to help educators meet the diverse needs of their students while schools are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While there is no single way to provide remote instruction, it is important to remember that there will be differences in student’s access to technology; safe and supportive learning spaces; and adults and/or peers to support learning".
"Recognize the need for flexibility in terms of time schedules and technology access;
Engage students in relevant and meaningful learning experiences;
Connect what students have been learning thus far in the year to the new learning experiences in which they will be engaging;
Allow for student choice and voice when possible/appropriate with regard to how students engage in the experience and/or how they demonstrate their learning;
Remember that students learn in different ways and provide flexibility in how they engage in new learning (e.g., reading, video); and
Encourage students to self-reflect upon their learning".
"As students may be impacted in multiple ways by COVID-19 and the closure of schools, it is critical that we are mindful of their emotional well-being. We encourage school districts to share the below strategies and resources with their school community. In addition to educational resources, there are supports available 24 hours a day/7 days a week should a parent or educator be concerned about a student’s well-being".
"Children’s System of Care: Call this number to find out about services for children and teens with emotional and behavioral health care challenges—1-877-652-7624
Crisis Text Line: Connect with a crisis counselor to help defuse a “hot” moment or crisis—Text “NJ” to 741741
NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735
2nd Floor: 1-888-222-2228".
"The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reminds us that, “It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in taking the necessary actions that reduce the risk of illness. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. This is also a tremendous opportunity for adults to model for children problem-solving, flexibility, and compassion as we all work through adjusting daily schedules, balancing work and other activities, getting creative about how we spend time, processing new information from authorities, and connecting and supporting friends and family members in new ways.”
"Having conversations with our students and children around COVID-19 can be difficult. The following resources are designed as a primer to give you background information on “How to” have these conversations and the areas you want to make sure to address":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL7Jr5LPjNE
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-01-01-006-508.pdf
"Due to the necessary actions being taken to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we realize many families are facing difficulties during this uncertain time, including food insecurity, job loss, and concerns their children will fall behind in school due to school closures. When it comes to education during these challenging circumstances, families need access to information and learning ideas, which will further support student learning at home".
"As schools in New Jersey respond to COVID-19, the need for remote learning tools has never been more critical. Below are a list of no-cost resources that may be helpful to your family during this challenging time":
https://www.today.com/parents/how-homeschool-during-coronavirus-crisis-t176020
"Parents can do a number of activities alongside their kids that facilitate active, engaged learning. Below is a link to fun activities for families to participate in during the quarantine period":