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Family support during COVID-19

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department has gathered some resources to support our families as we work together to navigate the school year and the changes caused by COVID-19.

FACE is here for you

The Family and Community Engagement Department is here to encourage our families.  Join us for our monthly Parent University chats over family support topics. See the parent workshops calendar for a list of upcoming events.

Can't attend our weekly chat? Subscribe to the Garland ISD FACE Department YouTube channel and view our recorded chats. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @gisdengagement.

Family support resources

Find tips and assistance for you and your students.

Online learning support

GISD uses many apps and websites to support learning. Your student can access them online through Ready Hub. Talk to your child's teacher to see which apps they recommend while eLearning at home.

See our Cybersafety page for tips on keeping your child safe online.

Public libraries

Public libraries can be a great resource for online learning. Visit the Garland Library System and get a temporary digital library card to access online resources if you don't already have a library card.

Find online tutorials for many of the library resources and popular social media apps like Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Parents and students can continue their learning while staying at home. Some resources require a library card to access.

Websites and Apps

Translation help

See our Translation tips page for help with translating websites, helpful apps and more.

GISD Counseling resources
Wellness and support resources

See our list of wellness and support resources to find resources available to our family, students and staff. Our list includes items like:

  • Medical help
  • Housing
  • Counseling
  • Financial management
  • Crisis assistance
Caring for you and your family
Children's wellbeing

How stress affects children

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

  • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children

  • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)

  • Excessive worry or sadness

  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits

  • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens

  • Poor school performance or avoiding school

  • Difficulty with attention and concentration

  • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past

  • Unexplained headaches or body pain

  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

(Taken from Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19 - CDC) 

How to support children's healthy mental and emotional development

Reassurance:

  • Togetherness - Spend time doing activities together. Play outside, go for a walk, do a puzzle, read a book. Try to keep TV and devices off so children have a chance to talk about what's on their mind.

  • Listening to your child

  • How to talk about COVID-19

The Basics of Self-Care for Children

  • Sleep
    • Adequate sleep helps children pay attention, learn more, show more control their behavior and emotions, and stay healthy.
    • Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time to help children get back on track.
    • Create a bedtime routine (or go back to your Pre- COVID-19 bedtime routine) to help them fall asleep.
    • View the sleep guidelines for children from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  • Physical Activity

    • 60 minutes or more a day of moderate to vigorous activity.

      • Children don't have to do all 60 minutes at once.

      • Go outside

        • Running, jumping, climbing, bike riding, swinging, etc.

    • GoNoodle for when you can't get outside.

    • Zumba in the living room.

Action for Healthy Kids has great ideas for Healthy Activities to Do at Home.

  • Healthy food