Here at MCF, we’ve been wondering how to move forward with this March newsletter. We always want families and partners to be well informed and strive to provide useful information, so it seemed only natural that we do the same this month. What we have shifted is to put a particular focus on what is needed for us all to get through the next couple of months. The pandemic has brought us into unchartered territory. In this newsletter and on our Facebook page, we have decided to take a positive and helpful approach. We are committed to offering free and useful tools to help your children learn and have fun, and free and simple resources to support your well-being. We also will work to find some good news to share about people and organizations making a difference and offer ways for you to support your community.

Remember that MCF continues to actively support and advocate for families and individuals. Reach out today for help if you have a child with behavioral health needs or care for anyone struggling with substance use disorder or problem gambling: [email protected] or 410-730-8267. Find a list of family peer support specialists in your region here  Please know that our communication methods might have temporarily changed, but our commitment to you has not. We’re in this together.

This month we share:

• Resources to Keep Your Children Busy
• Resources That Help You Talk With Children
• Resources for Grown-Ups
• Resources for Recovery Supports During the Pandemic
• Acts of Kindness Amid the Chaos

Free Online Courses from Scholastic
This educational company has launched a Learn at Home website that has daily courses for students from pre-kindergarten to grades six and higher.

When They Need to Shake Their Sillies Out or Calm Down
GoNoodle is a secret weapon of many successful elementary and special education teachers. This website offers free movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. 

National Parks Virtual Tours
Google allows you explore U.S. National Parks via 360-degree virtual tours. Fun and educational for the whole family!

Virtual Tours of the World’s Museums
Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 2500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world.

Talking with Children About Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for Parents, School Staff, and Others Working with Children
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and help them understand ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
This article from PBS offers key points you can share with children using language and concepts they can understand.

Talking to Kids About Coronavirus
Kids worry more when they’re in the dark, so let’s share in a way that is honest and calm. That’s the message in this article from the Child Mind Institute. It gives eight age-appropriate ideas for how to handle this conversation.

Fact Sheet for Special Education During Pandemic
The U.S. Department of Education just issued this additional guidance which reaffirms the rights of students to receive educational instruction and related services under federal special education law during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they offered additional clarification about how states can serve all students including students with disabilities.

Special Open Enrollment for Insurance Coverage through Maryland Health Connection
During the State of Emergency for Coronavirus, the Maryland Health Connection is opening a special enrollment period now through Wednesday April 15. All previous requirements for eligibility are still in place. Coverage selected during this open enrollment period will have a start date of April 1, regardless of the date of enrollment.

What the CDC Recommends for Anxiety Related to Covid 19
Stress will look a little different for everyone, but no one is immune—from at-risk populations to children to health care professionals. This article shares the CDC's keys for managing stress and anxiety to help make you and your community healthier and stronger.

A Psychologist’s Science-Based Tips for Emotional Resilience During the Coronavirus Crisis
The anxiety we feel in response to the uncertainty of the current situation shows up differently for each of us and may change over time. In this article, a psychologist shares evidence-based recommendations for bolstering mental resilience during this time.

How to Support a Loved One Going Through a Tough Time During COVID-19
We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones while practicing physical distancing. It’s important that you support one other during this difficult time, especially if your loved one may be facing a mental health concern.

24/7 Relaxing Music
This OCB (One Conscious Breath) peaceful music series can really help you to become more calm. Great for relaxing, meditation, yoga, or to lull you to sleep. It works for children, too!

Here’s How to Try Every Major Streaming Service for Free During the Coronavirus Quarantine
This article offers a breakdown of how much time you will have to indulge in the most popular TV streaming services for free for a limited time. All you need is an email address that hasn’t been registered with them yet.

How to Maintain Your Mental Health While Working From Home
Many of you are working from home for the first time – or for the first extended time. To complicate matters, you have many others also at home. This article gives a great perspective and realistic suggestions.

MCF Employment Opportunities

• Family Peer Support Specialist (DJS) - For those with personal experience with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS); Positions in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City
• Family Peer Support Specialist - For those with personal experience as a caregiver for a young person with mental health challenges; Position for Prince George's and Montgomery Counties