Distance Learning During COVID-19

Resources For Students (From Preschool to College)

Updated: 4/27/2021

General Resources

California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

  • Information for K-12 and Higher Education students.

California Department of Education

  • COVID-19 Guidance for K-12 Schools: Distance Learning, School Meals, Child Care and Student Supervision, Mental Health services and more.
  • Special Education Guidance for COVID-19

First 5 LA

  • COVID-19: Resources for virtual learning, ECE professionals & LAUSD students/families

IDEAS that Work

  • This collection of resources is targeted for educators, parents and families, and related service providers. The resources are listed alphabetically but can be narrowed down to an individual user needs by using the filter located on the right-hand side. You can select multiple filters to help narrow your search.

TIES Center

  • The national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies. Its purpose is to create sustainable changes in kindergarten-grade 8 school and district educational systems so that students with significant cognitive disabilities can fully engage in the same instructional and non-instructional activities as their general education peers while being instructed in a way that meets individual learning needs.

Online Learning Resources

Amazing Educational Resources

  • A search engine that contains educational resources for Pre-Kindergarten to 12 graders, post-secondary and adult learning.

California Autism Professional Training and Information Network-CAPTAIN

  • Resources to Support School Closures/Distance Learning for Students with Autism

Creative Curriculum Learning Games

  • Support for Children Birth to 5 (Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers with disabilities). Activities are in English & Spanish!

EveryoneOn

  • Interested in learning how to set up your computer, open an email account or navigate the internet? The resources below show you the essentials!

EveryoneOn

  • Check out these educational resources for children learners to adult learners, and everyone in between.

Flypaper Tutors

  • Free virtual tutoring! Your child will benefit from the personalized help from some of the brightest university students in the country in following subjects: Math, Science, Reading/Writing, Coding.

Khan Academy

  • Live online classes for ages 4-18. Khan Academy is a free resource for students, teachers, and parents. We offer exercises, quizzes, and tests so students can practice and master skills and instructional videos to help students learn or review material.

Khan Academy Kids

  • Inspire a lifetime of learning and discovery with our free, fun educational program for children ages two to seven. In addition to building early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math skills, the app encourages creativity and builds social-emotional skills. It is 100% free, with no ads and no in-app purchases.

Los Angeles County Public Library

  • Sign up for a temporary digital card (valid for 90 days). Read eBooks and listen to audiobooks on OverDrive or Libby. Stream movies and TV shows on Kanopy and Hoopla. Check out digital magazines via RBdigital. Stream music on Freegal. If you’re a parent or caregiver, sign up for ReadyRosie to get texts or emails with ideas for family engagement tips and early learning opportunities, or check out our TumbleBook Library, an online collection of animated and talking picture books. Kids and learners of all ages can get one-on-one homework help and tutoring from 1 – 10 pm every day on Brainfuse, plus lots of other resources for school and career that are available at all hours.

Los Angeles County – Internet Locator

  • The new Internet Locator website (findwifi.lacounty.gov) is part of a larger mission to expand digital connectivity, literacy, and access across LA County. When users enter a street address into the Internet Locator, the map returns the following information:-The appropriate school district and district website, with any available information about Internet access for students.-The street address, phone number, and website for any County Library within three miles that provides free public WiFi.

Los Angeles County Public Library – Laptop & Hotspot Loans

  • Do you know anyone without internet or a computer at home who would benefit from borrowing them—to apply for jobs, access homeschooling resources, or simply stay connected to information? You can now check out a kit with a Chromebook and wireless hotspot to access the internet (plus chargers) inside a handy carrying case, from the select locations below. Borrow for 3 weeks, with the option to renew, if available.

Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs

  • The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs has developed a list of resources to provide opportunities for art instruction, art experiences, and creative pursuits during this period of physical distancing. In this list, you will find arts and educational resources for kids and teens, virtual art experiences, professional resources for artists, mental health resources, and contact information for crucial local, state, national, and international agencies.

Los Angeles Public Library

  • The Los Angeles Public Library circulates a variety of technology items as part of its Tech2go program. The items are available to take home or utilize within the library and include laptops, iPads, and mobile hotspots.The Tech2go program was designed to reach users that lack access to technology and internet. As part of our strategic goals to cultivate and inspire young readers and champion literacy and lifelong learning, some of these devices come preloaded with apps that promote education and literacy, creativity and technology.Patrons will be able to borrow these devices for three weeks and must sign a Mobile Device User Agreement before checking them out. Participating locations vary depending on the device, please click on each of the program descriptions for locations.

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

  • Provides an educational resource page with tips, ideas, and fact sheets to support students

The New York Times

  • Coronavirus Resources: Teaching, Learning and Thinking Critically. “A page we will continue to update with ideas for working, at school or at home, with content from The Times and other reliable sources about this global pandemic.”

TASK CA

  • TASK CA created an online learning/ technology resource list for parents and professionals that are FREE.

UCLA CART

  • Provides a list of websites for in-home learning that covers: art, dance and movement, education, music, outdoors and animals, reading, sports games and documentaries to watch, technology and theatre.
  • COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Teachers (English Guide, Spanish Guide, Korean Guide)

Understood.org

  • We’ve created this COVID-19 resource to help people who learn and think differently thrive at home, at school, and at work. We’ll be providing updates on issues that impact learning, special education, talking with kids, and working from home. So keep checking back.

Financial Assistance

California Department of Education (CDE)

  • Getting Internet Access: Available Plans

California Lifeline Program

  • Provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to qualified low-income households. You may qualify if you are on certain public assistance programs or based on your household income. Contact a participating service provider in your area: if you qualify, the company can sign you up for service. If you already receive service from the company, they can apply your benefit to your existing account.

Computers for Classrooms (CFC)

  • Provides guaranteed working computers for Senior Citizens, low-income families and those who cannot afford to buy new ones. Eligibility is based on current participation in public assistance programs (e.g. Section 8 Housing, SNAP, Medi-Cal, National School Lunch Program, SSI) or seniors aged 65 and older. Desktops computers range from $70 to $200 in price and Laptop computers range between $150 to $250 in price. Comes with Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), anti-virus, 1-year warranty, and more.

Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)

  • Computers for low income Individuals, Non-Profits, Libraries, Schools & Faith Based Organizations

Cox Connect2Compete

  • Offers in home internet for low-income families with school aged children (K-12) who participate in a government assistance program for a cost of $9.95. Families can stay enrolled in the program for as long as they qualify. Eligible families can start the application process by visiting their website.

DecisionData.org

  • Internet for Low-Income Families. Search by entering zip codes.

EveryoneON

  • In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on society, multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have made updates to their low-cost internet service programs to ensure individuals and families stay connected to the internet during this challenging time. We’ve updated our low-cost internet service options tool to reflect these changes.

Federal LifeLine

  • Provides a discount on monthly phone and internet service for eligible low-income subscribers. You may qualify if you are on certain public assistance programs or based on your household income. Contact a participating service provider in your area: if you qualify, the company can sign you up for service. If you already receive service from the company, they can apply your benefit to your existing account.

Federal Student Aid

  • To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. This suspension of payments will last until Sept. 30, 2020, but you can still make payments if you choose.

human-I-T

  • A non-profit organization available to help those who are not connected to or unable to afford internet services. Fill out an internet request form or text 1-562-372-6925 for assistance accessing internet services. Assistance is also available to help with affordable device access.

Internet Essentials from Comcast

  • A program that provides affordable high-speed internet at home for just $9.95 (plus tax). You may qualify if you are eligible for public assistance programs (housing, SNAP, Medi-Cal, SSI). Once eligible, you also have the option to purchase a laptop or desktop computer at a discounted price ($149.99 + tax).

Internet For All Now

  • Having an affordable home Internet connection is critical to stay informed and in contact with friends and family during the COVID-19 emergency. Several Internet Service Providers offer low-cost, affordable Home Internet for qualifying low-income households. If you have questions, please call toll free, 1-844-841-INFO (4636) to find out if you pre-qualify for an affordable Home Internet offer. If you qualify the representative will ask a trusted community-based organization to call you back to help you choose an offer.

PCs for People

  • To receive technology and services from PCs for People, a potential recipient must be below the 200% poverty level or be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program (e.g. SSI, SSDI, Section 8, Head Start, CalFresh). If eligible, you can purchase computers online for a donation ranging from $0 to $150.

Spectrum

  • Beginning Monday, March 16, Spectrum will offer free access to internet and WiFi for 60-days for new Pre-K to 12, college student and teacher households who don’t currently have internet or WiFi service. This discount will be applied as a credit for your first two months of internet services. They’ll waive any installation or pre-payment fees to help get you started.You can qualify for this offer if you: Have a student of qualifying age at your service address with remote education needs; Have not subscribed to their internet services within the past 30 days. Call (855) 243-8892 to sign up for this offer.

TAG Mobile

  • TAG Mobile Lifeline Assistance Program is a government assisted free cell phone service that provides discounted cell phone services to eligible low income families and individuals. Lifeline Services discounts are offered to qualified customers who meet certain eligibility requirements such as, government assistance or a household income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. Customers get benefits of free minutes and free texts every month.

Social / Recreational/ Fitness Activities

Always Dancing Together

  • Provide free zoom dance classes for children with developmental disabilities

5-Eleven Hoops

  • Virtual Group Basketball Lessons. Free. 30 mins. In this class, your athlete will have an opportunity to have more of a social sports experience through the platform ZOOM with others. This class is great for all athletes, but especially beneficial for those with sensory issues triggered by bright lights, loud noises and large groups. This class will be 100% online.

California Science Center

  • Welcome to Stuck at Home Science! When you’re stuck at home, come here to continue your child’s science learning with our easy to follow activities. This space is designed for families to explore, investigate and have fun learning together without leaving home. All activities use easy to find household supplies, and are appropriate for a variety of ages.

California State Parks PORTS Program

  • Virtual field trips for all ages five days a week through the Home Learning Program

City of Santa Monica

CorePower Yoga

  • Enjoy FREE access to this collection of on-demand classes to keep your practice moving—wherever you are.

County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation

  • LA County Parks and Recreation invites you to learn something new this fall. We’re offering a variety of classes to help you get active, stay healthy, and enjoy a new hobby. From violin and martial arts to dance and fitness, there is a class for everyone.

Culver City Virtual Recreation Center

  • A webpage with fun ideas and activities to do to stay safe, active and connected.

Fitness Blender

  • Over 500 free workouts range from 10-85 minutes long, from beginner level to elite athlete, from HIIT to Pilates, and strength training to bodyweight.

Google Arts & Culture

  • A large collection of museums you can visit virtually online

The Help Group’s, Kaleidoscope

  • Pride Club: Connect with other LGBTQ+ teens and their allies through creative activities, games, discussions, & hanging out. Ages 12-17.
  • Young Adult Coffee & Support: Young adults of the LGBTQ+ community are invited to join Kaleidoscope for an afternoon of meeting peers, having some coffee & feeling encouraged. Ages 18-24.
  • Creative Expressions Group: LGBTQ+ youth and their allies are encouraged to bring an original creation, whether it be something written, a song, a dance or a piece of art – that is appropriate to share with others. Ages 12-17.
  • Artistic Expressions Group: LGBTQ+ young adults and their allies, ages 18-24, who have an interest in expressing themselves through art are encouraged to join this fun and informal group that will culminate in the creation of a zine. A zine is a self-published magazine of original work, and it’s a great way to share your art and writing!
  • TransFormation Group: TransFormation Group is a new weekly therapy group for transgender, non-binary, gender fluid and gender questioning adolescents ages 12-17. Led by a licensed therapist, this group connects peers and provides affirming support through a trauma-focused lens to promote transformative emotional healing. Medi-cal insurance accepted.

L.A. Parent – Special Needs

  • Here you will find events and resources for families in Los Angeles who have children with special needs.

Mental Floss

  • 12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online

Mystery Science

  • Free, easy science for remote learning

The National WWII Museum

  • Offers a wide array of online resources to help you teach your students or children about the history of World War II from the comfort of your own home.

Outschool

  • Explore any interest over live video chat! Discover fun, social, and safe learning experiences for kids ages 3-18 led by passionate teachers. Classes from $10.

UCLA – Neurodiversity Support Circle

West Hollywood Recreation Services

  • Activities include: All Stars Afterschool Virtual Club; Bewellweho, The Mindfulness Series; Chalk Art Gallery; Tiny Tot Time; Teen Club; and more.