While not unexpected, it was announced that online learning for elementary students in southern Ontario will be extended until January 24, 2021.
This past year has been anything but normal for our children, and for working parents. Our children have had to learn to be flexible, resilient and patient. Parents have had to adjust to e-learning, rearrange work schedules, find a balance of remote work with children at home, and be ready with Plan A, B and C to be able to adjust to last minute Government announcements.
During this uncertain time, we felt this was a good opportunity to remind everyone of the supports in place for both parents and children.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care.
If you are eligible for the CRCB, your household can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for up to 26 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
You can find more information on if you are eligible and how to apply by clicking here.
Ontario Support for Learners
Financial support is available to help with additional costs during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19. The deadline to apply is February 8, 2021.
Eligible parents or guardians will receive a one-time payment of:
· $200 for each child up to grade 12, including students who are in secondary school that are over 18.
· $250 for each child or youth up to age 21 with special needs
You can learn more about eligibility and how to apply by clicking here.
Learning at Home
There are online resources designed to help young students in kindergarten to Grade 12 learn at home, independently, or with the help of a parent or guardian. Conveniently organized by grade and subject, parents and students can click here to discover featured resources from the Ministry of Education.
Another great resource is TVO Learn, which is a free resource with videos, activities and questions to stimulate critical thinking for students in grades 1 to 8. Resources are aligned with the curriculum and have been developed by Ontario certified teachers.
Mental Health and Well-Being
COVID-19 has, and will, impact the mental health of people everywhere. Resources such as Jack.org, School Mental Health Ontario and Kids Help Phone have partnered to bring you all the information needed in one easy-to-access hub so that youth mental health remains top of mind. Communities are able to easily access the education, tools, support and reliable information they need, you can check out this hub by clicking here.
School Mental Health Ontario has additional tips and resources to support student mental health during COVID-19.
We hope that you and your family continue to stay safe in this uncertain time. We know how much stress this announcement puts on parents and school aged children and we hope that these resources can take some of the weight off your shoulders.
