Resources for Portland Parents
As the distance-learning school year starts up, we know it can be overwhelming for parents to know how to navigate this unfamiliar territory. But there are lots of resources in our community to support parents & their kids during this time. Check out our list below!
Internet access for distance learning: If your child needs internet access for school and do not have it, the Comcast Internet Essentials program provides low-cost internet for $9.95 per month — and the first two months are free. You may qualify for the program if you qualify for SNAP, Medicare or National School Lunch Program. Learn more at: https://www.internetessentials.com
Does your child need a laptop to borrow for distance learning? Visit https://www.pps.net/devices for info on how to do so.
For even more resources including: free & confidential mental health, physical health care, LGBTQ & trans youth support and reproductive health services for students visit : https://www.pps.net/coronavirus
NestMeet is a great app that connects you with families in your area. Use it to meet other families in your child's school, for childcare referrals or if your family is new to the area. https://nestmeet.com
School meals may be a vital meal in your child's day. Here are tons of resources and locations offering food assistance in your area. www.foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
There are an abundance of resources available to make learning at home easier and more delightful. Village Home Education Resource Center, offers engaging classes without grading and testing, designed for and by homeschoolers. Learners choose from a catalog of over 150 online, mixed-age classes. At Village Home learners are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. Their model reinforces self-directed learning to maximize intrinsic motivation to learn. https://www.villagehome.org
Ideas for before/after school activities and supplemental learning:
Monthly nature adventure & art kit - https://pdxparent.com/come-on-a-nature-inspired-art-adventure/
Oregon Zoo Visit open again with safety guidelines in place https://pdxparent.com/visiting-oregon-zoo-during-covid-19/-Animal Art Tour on Alberta St - https://www.bunnywithatoolbelt.com/animal-art-tour
My Voice Music, bringing music guidance and instruments to children across the city. Scholarships available. https://pdxparent.com/directory/my-voice-music/
Virtual Spanish Early learning courses, which includes videos, activities, music, crafts, recipes & zoom classes. https://pdxparent.com/directory/portland-early-learning-project
Virtual before/after school classes including classes focused on art, spanish, movement, animals & science -https://www.myschoolbeans.com/
Wiggle Room - Private play where you can rent for an hourly rate, create a pod of friends & bring a group. Plus there's a seperate room for parents with wifi, beer & wine, so you can work or relax while your kid plays. https://www.thewiggleroom.com/private-play
While the Portland Children's Museum remains closed for now, they are offering monthly free subscriptions for Museum@Home with tons of activities that inspire curiosity & creativity.