Parent Resources

As part of widespread measures recently taken to protect public health, schools throughout Chicago have recently been closed. We recognize the importance of supporting children with staying connected and engaged in learning during this time.

We are gathering online resources and virtual learning opportunities for all students during this time, and encourage you to check them out below:

 

CPS Communication / Comunicación de CPS

This Week's Community Events / Eventos comunitarios de esta semana

 
 

E-Learning Resources

For a list of more online educational materials, click the buttons!

Click on the underlined resource to visit their appropriate webpage.

Audible gives kids access to listen to listen to a collection of stories online-offered in six different languages.

With Deafverse, teens that are deaf can choose their own adventure (but anyone can play as long as they read the subtitles, since there is no sound). Sign up and account activation required.

Duolingo is an educational app focused on improving children’s literacy skills. Free download available.

“My Hero is You” is a book written for children around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This book should be read by a parent, caregiver, or teacher alongside a child or a small group of children. It is not encouraged for children to read this book independently without the support of a parent, caregiver, or teacher.

The New York Times Learning Network (NYT) provides NYT articles and writing prompts for students 13 and older. Parents need to sign up using their emails.

Parenting Playbook from the Chicago Children’s Museum gives parents ideas, strategies, and fun from the Chicago Children’s Museum.

StoryLine Online has stories read aloud by actors - supplemental curriculum is included with the story.

Ranger Rick is a children’s magazine. Sign up and create an account-free 3 month access.

In Read Along Mondays with Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama will go live on Facebook to read aloud one of her favorite books at 12pm every Monday from 4/20-5/11. Facebook account required.

TIME for Kids offers free access to a digital library for elementary and middle school students. Sign up required.

Tween Tribune provides articles from the Smithsonian on a range of interesting topics, available at multiple reading levels

Click on the underlined resource to visit their appropriate webpage.

BrainPOP has a variety of videos and activities on different topics.

Login Information

Username: chicagopublicschools

Password: cps123

iCivics Games engages students in meaningful civic learning through games and other activities. All games relate to some aspect of civic engagement.

Click on the underlined resource to visit their appropriate webpage.

Bedtime Math offers educational math activities including a math problem of the day. Free download available.

Khan Academy offers K-12 math content, as well as additional content, and SAT-prep. Parents must download the app and sign up using their email address.

With Picture Dots, kids connect the dots with a multisensory, interactive media creator; good for early development STEM skills. Free download available on Apple products.

Click on the underlined resource to visit their appropriate webpage.

Beanstalk is a good resource for students PreK-K. Click on the “Classes” tab at the top to skip the signup process.

Chrome Music Lab offers a variety of programs that allow students to play around with sound and make their own songs.

In Crayola: 52 Creative Ideas for 52 Weeks of Fun Crayola shared 52 craft ideas to keep kids engaged.

eSpark offers math and reading activities for K-5 students. Parents need to sign up by providing their child’s first and last name, as well as grade level.

GoNoodle engages 14 million students every month with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. It is available at school, home, and everywhere kids are.

Scholastic Learn at Home offers cross curricular daily projects for K-9 students.

Sound Rebound is a sandbox-style app that focuses on inquiry-based learning. It encourages students to play with sounds and movement through fixed and rotating elements, as well as balls and other objects. Free download available on Apple products.

WideOpenSchool offers a free collection of some of the best online experiences for children curated by the editors of Common Sense. There are many options available for students from Pre-K through 12th grade, including a “daily schedule.”

In FunBrain has a free collection of ebooks, videos, and games organized by grade.

Interland/Be Internet Awesome has games designed to teach kids about internet, ethics, and safety.

First Flight is an educational and interactive children's magazine created by students at the University of Chicago.

To sign up for our weekly parent newsletter that includes more read alouds, enrichment activities, movement videos, and more (and to see past newsletters) sign up below!

 

Additional Resources

Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline

CALL 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 or CHAT at thehotline.org

Contact the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Crisis Line

CALL 800-273-8255 or TEXT the word TALK to 741741

Domestic Abuse Survivors Can Get Free Hotel Rooms To Escape Unsafe Homes During Pandemic

CALL or TEXT the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338

 

For a list of COVID-19 Resurces for those experiencing or that are at risk of homelessness, click the button below

This list includes resources in the following areas: rent, housing issues, income, legal issues, food, and education

more resources

 

To find food near you using the Greater Chicago Food Depository's map, click the button below

Programs include: mobile pantries, older adult choice markets, pantries, producemobiles, shelters, and soup kitchens

Find Food

 

For a list of Grab-and-Go Meal Sites, click below

Families can pick up meals Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm. Families can also get meals delivered by calling (773) 553-5437 between Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm or email familyservices@cps.edu

Meal Site List

 

What Rights are Protected Under the McKinney-Vento Act?

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal policy that provides help and resources for children experiencing homelessness and allows them to have an opportunity to succeed in school. Click on the arrows below to learn more about what rights are protected for children experiencing homelessness.

Para obtener información sobre la ley McKinney-Vento que proporciona ayuda y recursos para los niños sin hogar y les permite tener la oportunidad de tener éxito en la escuela en español, ¡haga clic aqui!

  • Para aquellos con estudiantes en Chicago que tengan preguntas sobre la resolución de disputas, comuníquese con Alyssa Phillips, abogada de educación de la Coalición de Chicago para las personas sin hogar (Chicago Coalition for the Homeless): aphillips@chicagohomeless.org Todas las demás preguntas pueden dirigirse a Alex Galván, administradora de extensión y participación familiar: agalvan@chicagohopesforkids.org