At-Home Education and Learning Resources for Foster Youth During COVID-19

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As schools have been shuttered due to COVID-19, it is important to ensure that children and youth in foster care receive support for distance learning. Here are some resources pulled together by the Alliance for Children’s Rights to assist you in advocating for your child clients’ continued education, as well as providing needed support for foster parents.

• Questions and answers to providing services to children with disabilities have been shared by the Department of Education here.
• iFoster is currently offering technology access to foster youth ages 13-24, which include: free, unlimited, high-speed data hotspots, headsets, and laptops to assist in taking online classes. For additional information on the resources that they have, call iFoster at 1-855-936-7837 or email at phone@ifoster.org.   
• Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. 
• Comcast also announced it would offer two months of free internet services to low-income households in its service areas.
• AT&T is waiving internet data overage fees for customers who have capped data plans.
• Verizon is waiving any late fees and will not terminate any service for the next 60 days.
• If you are, or were previously, in foster care and need a laptop for remote learning, email One Simple Wish at info@onesimplewish.org
• Many libraries have digital resources you can access 24/7, no matter where you are. You generally only need your need a library card. If you do not have one, your local library may allow you to sign up for one online. Google your local library to find out what resources might be available.
• Students Pre-K through 12th grade can access free, educational PBS daytime programming designated for each grade level
• MIND Research Institute is offering no cost access to a free math instructional program for students in grades K-8.
• Scholastic is offering free, online learning experiences for kids of all ages.
• Amazing Educational Resources has compiled a comprehensive list of education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings.

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