Covid-19
What you need to know
M-DCPS Support Lines
Breakthrough Miami Program Updates
M-DCPS Distance Learning Requirements – Grade 5
M-DCPS Distance Learning Requirements – Grades 6-8
M-DCPS Distance Learning Requirements – Grades 9-12
Broward County Public School Resources
Academic Support
Learning Resources
Internet Access
Community Feedings and Food Distribution
Healthcare
RESOURCES
211 Helpline Florida – The United Way is aiding those who are affected by COVID-19. If you or somebody you know needs help, please reach out through calling 2-1-1 24/7 Call 2-1-1, available 24/7.
Breakthrough Miami Program Updates
We have suspended our traditional on-site academic and community programming to safeguard the health and well-being of our Breakthrough Village, most importantly, our Scholars, volunteers and staff, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our work continues.
We are committed to #BreakthroughTheDistance and we are keeping our Village engaged, connected and united through this time. We are working together to ensure our Scholars adapt and thrive in the midst of rapid changes.
Our Scholars were busy and engaged this summer:
- Preparing for their next grade- Scholars were fully engaged in project-based learning in their core academic classes, providing a hands-on preview of their academic year ahead.
- Exploring new interests and passions- Scholars put their creativity to use in a wide variety of electives.
- Developing leadership and communication skills- Scholars developed their social emotional and 21st Century Learning skills during advisory with activities, discussions, challenges and games.
- Planning for success- Scholars began to envision and document their academic goals, creating a pathway to achieve their dreams.
- Nurturing relationships- Scholars forged meaningful mentor relationships with Teaching Fellows, reconnected with old friends, and actively contributed to our Breakthrough family. Throughout the summer, our Breakalicious spirit continued to shine!
Using the momentum gained from this summer, our program team is working hard to prepare for Virtual School Year Programming. For more details on how to access Breakthrough Miami Virtual Program reach out your Site Directors by phone or email.
- Virtual Learning & Support:
- Student School Year Programming – Volunteers are creating and leading virtual courses, electives and academic support sessions to assist scholars with distance learning.
- Parent Workshops – hosted by licensed family psychologist, Dr. Bettina Lozi-Toscano providing valuable information to guardians on how best to support children through a variety of issues (i.e. transitions, bullying, managing academic success, etc.)
- We are working with our partners to deliver engaging virtual programming aligned with our curricular themes.
Miami Dade County Public Schools
- MDCPS Support Lines
- To answer questions from students, parents and other community members about school district-related coronavirus response efforts.
- Hours of Operation: M – F from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- To support students, parents and teachers in engaging in distance learning.
- Hours of Operation: M – F from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- To assist students and their families with mental health support.
- Hours of Operation: M – F from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- District Emergency Operations hotline: 305-995-3000
- Instructional Learning Plan Hotline: 305-995-HELP (4357)
- Mental Health Services Hotline: 305-995-7100
- MDCPS Distance Learning FAQs (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole)
- M-DCPS Parent Academy Videos (English, Spanish, and Creole)
- MDCPS Mobile Device Distribution (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole)
- Reopen SMART Return SAFE
- Reopening phases with breakdown and models for the new platform. Currently only available in English, however, Spanish and Creole are coming soon.
- Back to School Immunizations are required whether students are online or in-person.
M-DCPS Distance Learning Requirements
Daily Attendance: Starting April 6, 2020, students will log into the student portal to be recorded as present in school. Students will receive a confirmation alert when they log in. If a student fails to log into the portal, his or her parents will receive an automated phone call the next day by noon, indicating the student did not log into the portal the day before and was marked absent.
Broward County Public School Resources
- BCPS will host Parent University Webinars August 12-17 to help parents get ready for school and e- learning. Available in English, Spanish, Creole and Portuguese
- Learning Never Closes – online instruction for all students
- Students will report to class by signing into http://sso.browardschools.com
- BCPS 2020/21 School Year Academic Calendar Academic calendar
- BCPS Mental Health Website
- Parent Guide to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov)
- Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Academic Support
- Breakthrough Miami Volunteers will provide academic support sessions/tutoring for any Breakthrough Scholars during the academic year. Please contact your site director for more information.
- Miami Dade Libraries – providing homework help and tutoring in reading and math online by appointment for students grades K‑12. Certified teachers will host 30‑minute online tutoring sessions on Saturdays from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m.
Learning Resources
If you have questions or concerns about navigating these resources, please reach out to your site director. All the resources below are free for individual users.
- School Aged Resources
- School Closure Updates
- Education Resources for Distance Learning
- StayHome.Miami – The Children’s Trust has launched StayHome.Miami which provides parents and children with different resources and activities while at home.
- Remote Learning Schedules and Tips
- Khan Academy’s schedules are templates that you could use as is or copy and modify to better suit the needs of your children. It is a long document, but it is designed to be used by students or parents and has rigorous, engaging activities scholars can navigate at their own pace.
- Virtual Experiences
- 30 Virtual Field Trips you can do as a family, or encourage your scholar to explore independently.
- Explore the National Parks with Google 360 view
- Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre: Alvin Ailey has opened up their world renowned performances online
- Miami Children’s Museum: tours of the museum, arts and crafts activities
- Academic Distance Learning Resources
- Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more.
- Carnagie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative has modules for high school students on a range of topics including the foundations of Java, Biology, Cyber Technology, and more.
- For support in writing instruction, check out Quill.org for personalized activities and progress monitoring. Their activities help students develop their sentence construction and grammar skills and are designed as supplemental writing exercises
- Legends of Learning: This has math and science remote games for grades 3-5.
- College Board – AP Exam Prep: Resource for high school scholars preparing to take AP exams in May, live review sessions on YouTube.
- Enrichment Distance Learning Resources
- Learn a language from your phone or computer
- Duolingo. Learning with Duolingo is fun and addictive. Earn points for correct answers, race against the clock, and level up.
- Babbel: Students can access free language learning through mid-June. Languages include Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and more.
- For lessons on reading and writing music, look to this music theory learning site. The site includes lessons, exercises, and various tools for ongoing, personalized development.
- ED TED Browse hundreds of TED-Ed Animations and TED Talks designed to spark your child’s curiosity. You’ll also find thousands of other video-based lessons organized by age-level and subject.
- To boost your chess skills, or start as a beginner, try chess.com
- Jump on the one’s and two’s to learn the in’s and out’s of music producing with Ear Sketch.
- Get your code on with Hour of Code. Challenge yourself by trying activities above your grade level
- Learn to type like a professional while playing games at Typing.com. Create a free account to track your progress and level up to get access to resources on professionalism and digital literacy.
- Girls Who Code:/ this is open for students in all grades.Provides various activities to engage in digital and coding work based on interest and it specifies the level.
- Art Therapy Activities for Children and Adults: art activities that families can complete together with materials at home to cope with stress and anxiety.
- Supercook:This site allows you to input ingredients you have on hand at home and gives you a recipe to cook!
- Your scholar can complete several Nearpod modules by going to Nearpod.com and entering the following class codes to engage in educational material around Coronavirus and general health safety.
- Nearpod Module Codes
- 2019-2020 Coronavirus Outbreak | Access Code: AQCLD
- Germs and Staying Healthy | Access Code: CBGJF
- Truth or Rumor? | Access Code: HXMPO
- Viruses | Access Code: PBUZM
Internet Access
- Comcast – As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, Comcast is taking immediate steps to make it easier to connect low-income families to home Internet.
- New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service if you apply and are approved by December 31, 2020. After promotion, regular rates apply.
- For all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service has increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.
- Households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials. We are waiving this qualification if you apply and are approved by 12/31/20. After 12/31/20, standard eligibility rules apply.
- Xfinity Hotspots Across the County
- Xfinity WIFI hotspots across the county have been opened for access by anyone who needs WIFI. They are free for all including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. A map of available Xfinity hotspots are available here
- Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
- AT&T
- Expanding eligibility based on income and to households participating in the National School Lunch Program or Head Start.
- Waving all home internet data overage fees.
- No annual commitment, No Deposit, Free installation, Free in-home Wi-Fi
Community Feedings and Food Distribution
- Meals for Kids and Teenagers
- Farm Share
- MDCPS will provide grab and go meals from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Full list of distribution sites can be found here
- Broward County Public Schools – Most food distribution sites are open Monday – Friday for Breakfast from 8:00 – 10:00 and for Lunch from 11:00 – 1:00, full list of distribution sites can be found here
- Share Your Heart, Victor of Youth – Updated regularly with locations and times throughout Miami-Dade
- Three ways to find meal distribution sites by using your location
- Interactive Map with Up To Date Contact Information (Updated twice a day)
- Call 211
- Text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211
- Farmshare Meal Distribution Calendar
- Feeding South Florida
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- Households may be eligible for TEFAP by self declaration if:
- The total household income is at or below 130 percent of the current poverty level for the number persons in the household
- The household currently receives assistance under the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid
- Inactive Location Map
- U-Pick Farm Locations
- Florida U-pick farms are staying open to provide Florida residents fresh produce. The U-pick farm locator map features U-pick farms throughout Florida. Before visiting a farm, call the farm directly to confirm availability, as well as days and hours of operation.
- FLIPANY
- Meals will be available for pickup at various times per location. These bagged meals will be distributed in the parent drop-off areas of the school/site and available for walk-ups. Those who drive up will be handed meals through the vehicle window. Students must accompany the parent/adult when they are picking up meals. Families can go to school/site nearest them to pick up food even if they do not attend that school.
- List of locations, distribution dates and times
Healthcare
- All Baptist Urgent Care and Urgent Care Express locations are open. Go to Baptisthealth.net/urgentcare for hours of operation and save your spot.
- Baptist Health Care On Demand is offering FREE telehealth visits, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Providers are ready to answer questions and follow CDC protocols to screen for COVID-19. Download Baptist Health Care On Demand at Go.BaptistHealthCareOnDemand.net and use the code CARE 19.
- COVID-19 Testing Sites
Mental Health Resources
- Dial 211 for mental health resources in your area
- We are here to help. We don’t have to do this alone. If your Scholar needs emotional support, reach out to Metamorphosis Counseling Center. Virtual Sessions available.
- Contact: Phone- 305-964-7598, Email – metmorphhelps@gmail.com
- Mention Breakthrough Miami when you call or email
- Florida Blue – Offering free, Emotional Support from licensed clinicians in Florida to all Floridians including those who do not have insurance or have coverage with another health plan. 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline
- Free Bilingual Emotional Support – 833-848-1762
- Mental Wellness During COVID-19
- Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak
- CDC: Taking Care of your Emotional Health
- CDC: Stress and Anxiety
- SAMHSA: Disaster Distress Helpline
- NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
- South Florida Network of Care – local resources for behavioral and mental health support
- Home | MentalHealth.gov – general mental resources
- Nursing License Map – 2020 Mental Health Resource List
Utilities
- FPL – information on Coronavirus COVID-19 and billing extensions. While Florida is under a state of emergency, FPL has suspended electric disconnections, are providing payment extensions and are waiving certain late payment fees for customers in hardship situations.
- Miami-Dade Water – information on water accessibility, wastewater services and notice to suspend disconnections for 30 days
- Peoples Gas – information on billing and extensions. Peoples Gas is currently not disconnecting services.
Employment Resources
- Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
- CareerSource Florida – Several resources are available to address job loss or business disruption.
Business and Non-Profit Assistance
Childcare for Essential Workers
- Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe aims to assist “essential” working parents (health, first responders, grocery) in locating licensed child care programs. Contact Child Care Resource and Referral unit at 305-646-7220, Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Early Learning Coalition of Broward – Emergency Personnel Child Care Scholarship (no income eligibility, easy application, for children 0 – 13)
- YMCA – will be providing child care services for kids of first responders, healthcare workers as well as city and county staffers.
Financial Resources
- IRS – guidelines, process and check the status of COVID-19 stimulus check
- Catalyst Miami
- Provide support for families to apply for the Miami Pandemic Assistance Program
- Share referrals for existing resources for career centers, food banks, testing sites, etc.)
- Assisting in applying for unemployment benefits
- Provides free tax preparation
- Benefits enrollment and support (Medicaid, KidCare, CHIP, SNAP)
- Supporting new and existing clients through: virtual coaching sessions, conducting credit pulls and credit checks, budgeting and debt management, enrolling in products (Fresh EBT Apps) and lending circles program
- Hotline – 786-527-2580; Email – info@catalystmiami.org
Community Resources
- Axis South Florida
- If you’re an individual, a small business or a nonprofit that’s been negatively impacted by the COVID19 pandemic — there is relief for you. Axis has compiled the most comprehensive list of resources to help Miami-Dade and Broward residents weather the coronavirus crisis and emerge from it with stability and strength. Take the first step here.
- Community Justice Project – information and resources for:
- Eviction Moratoriums
- Unemployment Assistance
- Mutual Aid Funds
- Florida Department of Children and Families- Automated Community Connection to Economic Self Sufficiency (ACCESS)
- The ACCESS Florida system allows individuals to connect with with their public assistance information 24/7, through online application and MyACCESS Account.
- Assistance Programs: Food Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance Program, Temporary cash assistance for families with children (TANF), Family Nutrition Program (SNAP Ed)
- Other Services and Assistance: Employment Assistance, Transportation Assistance, Housing Assistance, Childcare Assistance, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services, & Literacy Services & GED
- Rental Assistance – HUD: COVID-19 Resources and Fact Sheet
- Project Upstart – provides support of students who are living in unstable housing in Miami-Dade County
- Legal Services of Greater Miami – offers free legal assistance in the following areas: employment, housing, healthcare, food and other basic needs. To apply – call 305.576.0080 or online at www.legalservicesmiami.org
- StayHome.Miami – a repository of resources for parents and the community provided by the The Children’s Trust
- Miami Diaper Bank – If you need diapers complete the contact form and include your name, phone number, email, child’s age, size of diaper and location zip code.
- C.A.R.E.S. Act Webinar curated for The Children’s Trust
- Panelists: Beacon Council and Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.
- Free
- Meeting Recording Link
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#BreakthroughTheDistance
Amidst challenging times, Breakthrough Miami is committed to #BreakthroughTheDistance and your support is needed and appreciated now more than ever!