WIC has closed its office. Services are still available via phone. New enrollments are being taken. Existing members and interested new participants can call 608-267-1111.
Project Babies is working on collecting diapers and other needed supplies at this time. This is their outreach number (you can call or text): 608-770-9588. Check their Facebook page for updates
Dane County Diaper Drive is collecting diapers and will provide them at no cost to disadvantaged families: https://danediapers.org.
The Pregnancy Helpline is closed, and they have distributed their items to St. Vinny’s. The telephone helpline is still open for support (608-222-0008), and they are able to drop off Baby Care Packages and Safe Sleep pack ‘n plays to newborns. https://www.pregnancyhelpline.net
Reach Dane is enrolling children ages 0-5 years in Early Head Start and Head Start. Enrolled families get immediate access to diapers, formula, and meals distributed weekly. They can provide families with early childhood education, mental health, and family supports virtually. www.reachdane.org or 608-577-6934
Child Care Updates
The YMCA of Dane County will offer subsidized 24/7 child care for kids of essential health care workers responding to Covid-19. Services will be provided at Lussier West, Lussier East, and Sun Prairie.
COVID-19 Child Care Request for Health Care Workers: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WI Department of Children and Families and its partners want to help Wisconsin health care workers fill their urgent child care needs so that they can continue to serve our communities’ health care needs. If you are a health care worker in need of child care, please submit your request here.
The DCF has placed suspensions on many child care licensing rules so that child care centers are able, if they choose, to take on extra children on an emergency basis. If you need childcare to continue working, reach out to your local center to see if they are able to help you. The Wisconsin Shares program is making emergency funding available to parents to be able to pay for this care even if they did not previously qualify for this child care assistance. Read more here: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/covid-19.
Enrichment for School-Age Children Staying at Home
60 days of free internetmay be available from Comcast and Spectrum, see Rent/Utility resource section in this document for more info.
MMSD is planning to transition to distance learning for K-12 starting on April 6th. This will include providing devices to families who need them. Update(s) here.
Flight of Lights Event in April/May: the Dane County Regional Airport is hosting its first annual Flight of Lights, which is a free, drive-through light display along International Lane at Dane County Regional Airport. Flight of Lights Follows all rules of social distancing as a drive-through only event.
Open April 18th-May 10th from 7:30-11:30pm every night.
Milwaukee Brewers Summer Sluggers Reading Program: open early! Free to sign up! Summer Slugger is a continuous and engaging learning experience that uses the game of baseball to prepare students of all backgrounds to enter the next school year on track.
General tips for supporting kids at home during this time.
MMSD Online Enrichment Resources: Available for MMSD students with internet access. All resources offer high-quality and free content. As a resource, students should start on their school’s library portal pages which are provided at the bottom of this document. Each school library portal will provide students access to databases and programs that they are currently using in their schools.
Scholastic Learn from Home: FREE pre-k-12 online resources to keep kids learning at home while schools are closed.
Audible.com is offering FREE streaming of books in multiple languages online for as long as schools are closed.
First Book Marketplace is a great place to order deeply discounted books for kids. Free shipping for orders over $25. Use promo code BOOKBANK15 for an additional 15% off orders.
List of digital author resources: This is a website collecting events with read-alouds, face times, and other interactive online reading opportunities for families.
Home-based learning resources: Lots of ideas for how to engage kids with learning while at home. Also includes link to online museum tours of different museums across the world.
Over 30 Virtual Field Trips: includes links to virtual tours to many places, like zoos, national parks, farms, outer space, and museums around the world (and universe!)
Help with Homework: Facebook group with a community of parents and educators who are ready to help if you need help understanding your child’s school work or school-district issued enrichment packets.
Henry Vilas Zoo Instagram Party: Henry Vilas Zoo is hosting a Virtual Party for the Planet now through the summer on Instagram. For the month of April, get in the spirit by completing our at-home challenges! Do the activities, take a picture, post it on Instagram, and tag us to be entered to win great prizes! The more challenges you participate in, the more changes you have to win!
Lots of coloring pages if you have a printer and colored pencils/crayons/markers at home. Includes color by numbers and pages that are more entertaining for older kids and adults (detailed mandalas, celebrities, etc.): https://topcoloringpages.net
“My Tree of Life” activity, good for middle school aged children, teens, and adults to reflect on their life and values. Promotes self-reflection and resiliency. PDF was written for facilitators (teachers, counselors, etc.) but is clear enough for parents to give it a try (requires large piece of paper and writing/drawing materials): https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cwportal/permanency/pc/pdf/ffe-tree.pdf
Student Art Contest & Grant Opportunity: Futuristic Masterpieces: For students in grades K-12. who are residents of and currently attending an elementary or secondary school in Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, or Wisconsin. Artwork must reflect one of the following futuristic themes: 1) your school in the future, 2) your home life in the future, 3) happy robots. Deadline to submit: March 31st!
Kid-Friendly Fitness Ideas
GoNoodle: many different videos on YouTube to promote movement and work on gross motor skills.
PE with Joe: live daily 30 minute workout with British PE teacher on YouTube, aimed at kids. Workout requires little space and no equipment. Started Monday the 23rd.
