Love and Resources
for Our Community
At stressful times like this, we’re heartened to see so many in our community stepping forward to offer care and support to our children, to our families, and to all of our dedicated early learning professionals -- both those who are providing care to the children of health care workers, and those who are struggling as their work has shut down. Below we provide links to the resources and information our partners have assembled.
As we assembled these resources, we were struck by how this statement from Linda Darling-Hammond frames the work we at Oakland Starting Smart and Strong focus on: “This is a moment that exposes the many inequities in our society -- from the broadband and computers needed for distance education to the supportive environments needed to focus on learning….As these inequities are more sharply exposed in this time of crisis, this moment also holds the possibility that with purposeful action, these needs can be more fully addressed and when we return to ‘normal,’ we will not also return to the inequitable status quo.”
May we all be safe and healthy.
As we assembled these resources, we were struck by how this statement from Linda Darling-Hammond frames the work we at Oakland Starting Smart and Strong focus on: “This is a moment that exposes the many inequities in our society -- from the broadband and computers needed for distance education to the supportive environments needed to focus on learning….As these inequities are more sharply exposed in this time of crisis, this moment also holds the possibility that with purposeful action, these needs can be more fully addressed and when we return to ‘normal,’ we will not also return to the inequitable status quo.”
May we all be safe and healthy.
RESOURCES
OUSD is providing “grab and go” meals at 12 sites throughout the city for all OUSD students or families and any Oakland child 18 or under. Multiple days worth of food can be picked up at one time. Information in multiple languages here.
OSSS Resilient Oakland Communities and Kids (ROCK) leaders LaWanda Wesley, Julie Kurtz, and Julie Nicholson served as co-facilitators for two ECE courses regarding COVID-19, emergency responses to support young children, and self-care for educators. Both courses offer CEUs with a certificate. Use this link to the Continued website and select “take a free course” under the JOIN button.
Family Paths offers a Parenting Stress Helpline, available 24/7, for anyone who can use counseling, referrals, and resources in Alameda County. 1-800-829-3777.
Our partners at Bay Area Parent Leadership Action Network have put together a comprehensive list of federal, state, and local efforts that they are continuously updating. Share any other resources or resource lists by emailing info@bayareaplan.org.
First 5 Alameda County is also updating its website regularly with guidance for child care providers, information on talking with kids about COVID-19, and links to benefit information.
Go Public Schools Oakland has information on current tech resources and ways to expand internet access to every child in Oakland.
Children Now has compiled information related to kids and families, including a video for parents from Dr. Barbara Stroud that outlines the emotional responses and developmental needs of children at this time.
New America has provided information on what we need to know about the Education in the Coronavirus Emergency Bill.
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Department (MCAH) has announced the release of the COVID-19 for Women and Families web page. This is a one-stop-shop for trusted resources and guidance for California's families and health professionals alike.
OSSS Resilient Oakland Communities and Kids (ROCK) leaders LaWanda Wesley, Julie Kurtz, and Julie Nicholson served as co-facilitators for two ECE courses regarding COVID-19, emergency responses to support young children, and self-care for educators. Both courses offer CEUs with a certificate. Use this link to the Continued website and select “take a free course” under the JOIN button.
Family Paths offers a Parenting Stress Helpline, available 24/7, for anyone who can use counseling, referrals, and resources in Alameda County. 1-800-829-3777.
Our partners at Bay Area Parent Leadership Action Network have put together a comprehensive list of federal, state, and local efforts that they are continuously updating. Share any other resources or resource lists by emailing info@bayareaplan.org.
First 5 Alameda County is also updating its website regularly with guidance for child care providers, information on talking with kids about COVID-19, and links to benefit information.
Go Public Schools Oakland has information on current tech resources and ways to expand internet access to every child in Oakland.
Children Now has compiled information related to kids and families, including a video for parents from Dr. Barbara Stroud that outlines the emotional responses and developmental needs of children at this time.
New America has provided information on what we need to know about the Education in the Coronavirus Emergency Bill.
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Department (MCAH) has announced the release of the COVID-19 for Women and Families web page. This is a one-stop-shop for trusted resources and guidance for California's families and health professionals alike.
POLICY UPDATES
Early Edge California is providing updates on new legislation approved by Governor Newsom to support school districts and state-subsidized child development programs during the pandemic. This site also has links to guidance documents from the CA Department of Education.
This EdSource article details California advocates’ efforts to urge Governor Newsom to provide emergency funding to pay sick leave to their assistants who fall ill or need to care for their own family members, and to purchase sanitation supplies to disinfect their homes or centers.
This EdSource article details California advocates’ efforts to urge Governor Newsom to provide emergency funding to pay sick leave to their assistants who fall ill or need to care for their own family members, and to purchase sanitation supplies to disinfect their homes or centers.
FUNDING REQUEST
Support the COVID-19 Rapid Relief Fund for Oakland students. Your donations go to feeding students and families, rapid financial relief for vulnerable families, and continuity of learning.