COVID-19 Resources
On Friday, March 13, 2020 at 8 a.m., Governor Carney declared a State of Emergency for the state of Delaware. Read the press release (Spanish) and the Official Declaration. Below are resources for students and families throughout Delaware.
- State-wide Student Meal Site Locations (Provided by the Delaware Board of Education) – Open meal sites for students throughout Delaware. Families may pick up meal bags for children 18 and under who live in their homes. Children must be present. Any family needing additional information may contact their district or charter office.
- School-based Health Care Centers (SBHCs)
- General COVID-19 Resources (Learning activities, talking to kids about COVID-19, online fitness, and more).
- Delaware Libraries is granting INSTANT ACCESS to a collection of eBooks, read eMagazines, and more! Sign up for your free account today!
- Delaware 2-1-1 is available to provide additional resources & information for Delaware residents.
WiFi & Internet Access for Distance Learning
Broadband and Telecommunications Update: Broadband and Telecommunications companies are offering a variety of options to support online educational access needs of Delaware’s children and help those who lost employment or now must work from home or alternate locations. They are providing special consumer support in recognition of the extreme impacts on Delawareans due to the COVID-19 pandemic so everyone can access the Internet; including using cell phones as mobile hot spots as needed.
Providers are waiving certain fees, vowing not to disconnect service or charge penalties for missed payments, and offering special rates for low-income households. Some are providing other support, such as raising data transmission speeds, free mobile hot-spot, free community WiFi access, partnering to expand networks, lowering rates, and temporarily not imposing data plan limits.
Comcast says its efforts focus on the Internet Essentials program, which offers access to low-income families. Unlike standard Comcast Xfinity internet service, you have to apply and be approved for the Internet Essentials program. If you meet the requirements, Comcast will set you up with a $9.95 monthly plan. However, the company will allow new sign-ups to have 60 days free right now. Here are the requirements:
- You are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others.
- You do not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Families with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible.
- You live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available but have not subscribed to it within the last 90 days.
Department of Labor Resources Unemployment Benefits: “The Delaware Department of Labor Expands Unemployment Benefits to Workers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic”. Here is the link to the full article: https://news.delaware.gov/2020/03/17/the-delaware-department-of-labor-expands-unemployment-benefits-to-workers-affected-by-the-covid-19-pandemic/?print=print Remember that all claims need to be filed online and that DOL resource rooms are currently closed to the public. The work search requirements have been adjusted to make it easier to meet the requirements and missed classed for RESEA will not cause clients to lose benefits during this period. Unemployment Insurance, Social Security and Re-entry Pilot Information: Click to Access Information To contact an unemployment insurance location, please use one of the emails below.
- Dol_dui_wilmington_claims@delaware.gov
- Dol_dui_newark_claims@delware.gov
- Dol_dui_georgetown_claims@delaware.gov
- Dol_dui_interstate_claims@delaware.gov
- Dol_dui_dover_claims@delaware.gov
To file a claim, visit https://ui.delawareworks.com Click in the orange/red box: File an Unemployment claim (If you provide a valid email address you are sent an email that your claim was received. You are also provided with a confirmation number.) There is a handbook with instructions within the application.
Social Security Fraud Alert! Families, please be mindful of the scams surrounding benefits at this time. Click to read correspondence from Inspector General Warning the Public About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam. (Click to Read) PRESS RELEASE (3/30/3030): Social Security Benefits Updates (click to read full update)- Benefits will be paid on time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
- Reminder of ongoing scams
- Clarification that Department of Treasury, not SSA, is responsible for the upcoming stimulus payments
- Reminder that our offices are closed to the public, but that phone and online services continue
- Notification of temporary change in our national 800 number operating hours
From the Trauma-Informed Care Committee
So much is happening right now, and things seem to be moving quickly with needs and responses continually changing. Many families are trying to balance work responsibilities with family and child care needs in the wake of school closures and restrictions on visits to eldercare facilities. It is a lot to take in all at once. This special edition of Stay Trauma-Informed is focused on ideas and tips to help you manage the shifting landscape and maintain connections to people in a time of social distancing.
The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families has compiled links to articles and blog posts, a podcast, and some upcoming webinars (not related to COVID-19). We are not suggesting that you review every one of these links, but rather choose those that resonate with you.
Anxiety
- Mental Health First Aid has this article on How to Help Someone with Anxiety
- From uchealth: Coronavirus anxiety: Why the outbreak feeds worries and five simple ways to reduce coronavirus anxiety
Communicating with Children:
- From NPR: Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- From the National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
- From the Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
- From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children
- From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019
Parenting and Family:
- From Medium: Parenting in a Pandemic
- From Greater Good Magazine: How School Closures Can Strengthen Your Family
Staying Connected:
- From PBH News Hour: 4 tips for seniors to stay connected during coronavirus outbreak
- From Psychology Today: Let’s Aim for Physical Rather Than Social Distancing
- From cuhealth: What exactly is ‘social distancing?’ Hint: You are allowed to go outside
Listen to a Podcast
From Shrink Speak: In this special three-part COVID-19 Crisis series, Dr. Lieberman of Columbia University speaks with renowned experts who have expertise in relevant disciplines that pertain to this COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information from the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families, please visit https://kids.delaware.gov/index.shtml.Mindfulness Resources for Students & Families
#1: Calm (calm.com) This is a subscription-based platform with the sole purpose of helping you reduce your stress. This app will immerse you in scenes of natural beauty and bathe your mind with relaxing music and nature sounds.
You’ll like it if: You have particular meditation goals, such as better sleep, deep concentration, inner peace, etc. The app offers a wide variety of goal categories. How it works: Calm intends to clear your mind with guided relaxation sessions, meditation music, and premium programs that focus on a range of areas from sleep, calm, self-esteem, and more.#2: Happify (happify.com) This app is designed to make you happier by funneling the “science of happiness” through technology. It’s main features are activities and games based on scientific research that suggests there are five essential skills for happiness: savoring, thanking, aspiring, giving, and empathizing.
You’ll like it if: If you are someone who struggles with happiness, Happify is a great option for you. The app’s visually pleasing design is simple and user-friendly.
How it works: You complete simple tasks that aim to focus your attention on coping. Techniques include writing down what you are grateful for, writing about how to manage stress, and playing mental games. The app uses brain-training mechanics to help you relieve stress.
