Supporting Students and Families COVID-19 Resources

2020 Family Engagement Week

The Minnesota Department of Education will be hosting a Family Engagement Week from June 1-5, 2020. Throughout the week, education experts will be hosting series of online events and promoting resources to help support families over the summer months during these unprecedented times. Learn more about the online events below:

Tuesday, June 2 from 1-2 p.m.

Libraries, Families and Community Learning

Learn about opportunities for family engagement and learning at public libraries and learning centers this summer. This webinar will connect caregivers and educators with partners in their community and provide ideas for creative ways to support family fun and learning. Register here.

Tuesday, June 2 from 4-5 p.m.

Parenting During Uncertain Times

Join Katy Smith, parenting educator and 2011 Teacher of the Year, for a webinar and discussion about parenting in a pandemic. Among other topics, Katy will discuss the importance of routines and rituals, our roles and responsibilities, and regulating our emotions and expectations. Register here.

Wednesday, June 3, 10-11 a.m.

Summertime Early Learning: Engaging Families with Literacy and Math Activities

In this webinar, MDE staff will share strategies and activities that support children’s early literacy and math skills throughout the summer months. Register here. This webinar will also be available on Thursday, June 4 at 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 4 from 10-11 a.m.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a Federal USDA child nutrition program administered by the State Nutrition, Health and Youth Development Division at Minnesota Department of Education. The SFSP provides funding to sponsoring schools and non-profit organizations who serve free healthy meals to children and teens age 18 and younger in low-income areas during the summer months when school is not in session. This year, due to COVID19, summer meals do not need to be consumed on site. Meals can be picked up and taken off site in order to reduce the spread of the virus. MDE Staff will share more about the program in this webinar. Register here.

Thursday, June 4, 3-4 p.m.

Early Learning Open Office Hours: Beyond the Cardboard Box-Engaging Families in Summer Learning

A cross-divisional team from Early Learning Services and Early Childhood Special Education will offer Open Office Hours for early childhood coordinators and staff. The session will briefly present information and resources available to help with developing summer learning experiences for families based on family interests and routines. A discussion will follow inviting the participants to share ideas and the session will end with a short Q & A time. Register here.

Thursday June 4, 5-6 p.m.

Summertime Early Learning: Engaging Families with Literacy and Math Activities

In this webinar, MDE staff will share strategies and activities that support children’s early literacy and math skills throughout the summer months. Register here. This webinar will also be available on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 am.

If you have questions, please contact Trish Signor.