Chicago Early Learning takes into account the reasoning behind school closures, and factors the impact of the cause into the expectations for remote learning. Remote learning, on the other hand, incorporates both digital and traditional modes of learning, with an expectation of student engagement without daily attendance, no logged hours, and grading protections in place to protect the grades students without limited access to technology.
Expectations will differ based on the early learning center that your child attends. For the purposes of your early learners, grades don’t factor into the equation at all. Your children certainly won’t be penalized by their early learning agencies. However, their kindergarten preparedness during preschool closures will depend on the strides they’re able to make in their development at-home.
Part of the monitoring each day or week should include checking that assignments are getting completed, checking for student understanding, and affirming on-task behavior. It’s helpful to structure their day as similarly as you prepare them for kindergarten.
Being a positive encourager is possibly the most important role for the parent in a virtual school setting. Praise your child’s successes. Just as you would display good work from a traditional school on the refrigerator and the walls, do the same for your student’s online work. Surround them with examples of the positive things they are accomplishing. When helping your child understand a concept or complete assignments, be encouraging without giving answers away.
Many of the resources and activities found for children and families are available to be completed away from the screen.
Here’s a list of no to low-cost internet options to support the remote learning of your child. This resource also features many other valuable resources for your family and your child’s continued education from home courtesy of Illinois State Board of Education.
Chicago PrE-Learning is mobile-friendly. We understand that not all students have access to a laptop or computer device and/or the Internet during the day. Our e-Learning platform was created with that in mind and is completely mobile friendly.
First, reference the questions and answers put together from ODLSS for diverse learners during COVID-19 School Closures.
[FAQ following ISBE Guidance - Updated April 20, 2020 English | Spanish]
If you’re a caregiver of a child with disabilities in the era of COVID-19, check out the parent resources from the National Center for Learning Disabilities to support your child during preschool closures. Or, check out this article from Psychologists’ research that offers ways to help families, caregivers and children cope during the pandemic and for more resources for diverse learners reference the Diverse Learners page put together by CPS.
For further answers to questions about providing services to children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, reference this link.
Many of the resources and activities found for children and families are available to be completed away from the screen.
We’ve done our best to provide parents with general resources to guide your children’s remote learning to support their early development from home. For specific help on your child’s assignment reach out to their teachers and their early learning centers individually as they’re available.
Naturally, grading and pass/fail requirements aren’t as absolute for early learners and preschoolers as they may be for older children. The focus at this time should instead be on their overall development in the areas.
During uncertain times things are changing frequently across Chicago. On April 17, Governor Pritzker announced that in-person instruction will be suspended for the rest of the school year in Illinois to further slow the spread of COVID-19. To maintain truthful and transparent communications with families, we ask that you reach out directly to your child’s early learning provider for the latest information impacting your child.
Yes. You can find behavioral health and social services resources in Chicago at ChicagoConnects.com
Have additional questions about COVID-19 and it’s impact?
First, If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
And visit the City of Chicago’s online Coronavirus Response Center for the latest COVID-19 updates, many free resources, and lots of information to keep your family healthy and informed. If you have additional questions, you can email the Chicago Department of Health at coronavirus@chicago.gov or call 312-746-4835.
