December 18, 2020
Distance Learning Parent Newsletter, Issue 15
Multilingual Support Division California Department of Education
Opening Letter
DEAR PARENTS, The 15th Edition of the Distance Learning Parent Newsletter brings us to the 2020 holiday break. We hope you and your family are well. This edition of the newsletter provides more resources for parents, and serves to remind us of the importance of student participation in online activities with your child’s teacher. If you feel you need support to access and maintain communication with your child’s teacher, please contact your school as soon as possible.
Stay in Touch with Your Child’s Teacher
Six recommendations for maintaining effective, two-way relationships between parents and teachers make a big difference in your child’s learning.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Children do better in school when parents are involved. Parent-teacher conference is a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, share your child’s strengths and needs, and work with the teacher to help your child do well in school. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/parent-teacher-conferences.html?WT.ac=pairedLink
All about Young Children
Families can find out about what skills help children learn, how they learn language, how they learn about feelings and relationships, how they learn about numbers, and how they become skillful at moving their bodies. https://allaboutyoungchildren.org/
Informational Resources Included Every Week
School Lunch Information: CA Meals for Kids
Parents can still pick up school lunches during COVID-19 related school closures. Use the “CA Meals for Kids” mobile app to find meals or you can contact your school district directly for more information. Some districts now offer home delivery for school lunches. Parents should contact their child’s school to see if the school has opted into this optional program. CDE News Release: CA Meals for Kids App Update at https://www.cde.ca.gov/497627
Getting Internet Access
If you do not have access to the internet at home, there are several companies offering service to families. Contact the companies listed on the link below on the CDE web page to discuss available plans. Getting Internet Access: Available Plans at https://www.cde.ca.gov/498321
Home Learning Resources
Below are free recommended resources that you can use with your children at home or they can use on their own.
Supporting Young English Learners at Home
Family and Caregiver Activities
Nine activity sheets, available in both English and Spanish, are designed to provide simple, fun activities families and caregivers can use with children at home to strengthen language development in either the home language or English. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/west/Resources/CaregiverActivities
Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers
There are many things you can do to help build a safe, stable, and nurturing relationship with your child. This website will help you handle some common parenting challenges, so you can be a more confident parent and enjoy helping your child grow. https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/index.html
Opening Doors/Abriendo Puertas (Early Edge California)
Tools and activities for parents and families to open doors to education for preschoolers. Provided in English and Spanish for ease of use. https://ap-od.org/
Social Media and Email
To stay up to date with new resources and information, follow the CDE Multilingual Support Division on Twitter @MultilingualCA. To subscribe to the Multilingual Updates Listserv, send a blank email to [email protected].