WCK is collecting links to resources that are of particular interest to OST partners and parents/guardians. Links that are on official websites and sent out in newsletters from elected officials are not included here unless they are related to care for children. Links to school districts providing meals were included in our newsletter last month. If you need information about other resources, please contact us at info@washingtoncountykids.org. We will be happy to forward information to you.

The following are some additional resources you might find useful.

CHILDCARE:

  • State resources have information on availability.
  • For parents providing essential services, call 211 for referrals to providers.
  • Emergency child care guidance for providers.

HEALTH:

Good information on face masks from the CDC, including how to make them—even no-sew varieties!  Although face masks do not prevent infection by themselves, they can minimize the risk by as much as 10% if you are in public and can minimize your risk of infecting others. Be sure to wash any that can be reused. Keep 6 ft. apart in public.

To help extend handwashing to 20+seconds (from participants in Oregon ASK’s childcare webinar):

Songs to sing while washing hands:

  • Kookaburra
  • Frozen songs
  • The Wheels on the Bus
  • A Hole in My Bucket
  • Love on Top Chorus by Beyonce
  • Jolene Chorus by Dolly Parton
  • Truth Hurts by Lizzo
  • Livin on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star rewrite lyrics:

“Twinkle, twinkle little star. Look how clean my two hands are. Around my wrists and between my thumbs, lace my fingers, I’m almost done. Twinkle, twinkle little star. Look how clean my two hands are!”

To get kids to see how germs disappear, add color to liquid soap.

More provider resources from Oregon ASK

COMPUTER CONNECTIVITY

  • Most school districts are providing Chromebooks for kids to check out. Contact your school.
  • Connecting to the Internet: Comcast’s Internet Essentials service for low-income households ($9.99/mo). Be patient since many people are requesting the service and there are delays.

ACTIVITIES:

  • Keep it fun from NBC’s Today Show: Start each morning’s learning session with a joke, i.e.:  “Why do basketball players like donuts?” ”They like to dunk!”
  • Free stories on Audible for kids, including Harry Potter stories.
  • Fitness tips from the Oregon Department of Education:  Afterschool fitness information to align with academic requirements for afterschool providers.

Online classes:

Family activities from VRBO:

Educational Content on Netflix (includes more than 250 latest Educational content with proper description, categories, IMDB ratings, and visuals).

Educational Shows On Disney+ for kids

STEM/STEAM learning:

  • BestHQ is offering a free STEM program once a month for kids – all ages capable of playing Minecraft. They were doing them at BestHQ, but will now be offering it online. The person to contact is Luis Lopez – 503-720-5536, luis@besthq.net.ex
  • OMSI has science experiments you can do at home.
  • Make a COVID 19 time capsule from the Hewitt Foundation
  • Visit Centro Cultural’s YouTube channel to view great educational projects by grade level

WCCLS resources can help families at home on topics from homework help to free movies. If children/parents do not already have a library card, they can get an electronic access card by filling out this FORM.