Parents and Students Supports
Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
On March 25, 2020 TDSB staff posted some valuable resources to help students and families address the impact of the pandemic on their mental health and well-being.
As we develop plans for continuing student learning, we are also paying attention to mental health and well-being during the pandemic and school closure period. Both school-based staff and members of Professional Support Services (e.g., Child and Youth Counsellors, Social Workers and Psychologists) play an important role in supporting students’ mental health. There are a variety of tips and strategies for coping during a pandemic being circulated online. The goal of our Professional Support Services and educator teams is to provide quality, evidence-based and equitable resources for use by families, students and staff. This new webpage is a step in that direction. Here is the shareable link: www.tdsb.on.ca/wellbeingresources .
On March 25, 2020 TDSB staff posted some valuable resources to help students and families address the impact of the pandemic on their mental health and well-being.
As we develop plans for continuing student learning, we are also paying attention to mental health and well-being during the pandemic and school closure period. Both school-based staff and members of Professional Support Services (e.g., Child and Youth Counsellors, Social Workers and Psychologists) play an important role in supporting students’ mental health. There are a variety of tips and strategies for coping during a pandemic being circulated online. The goal of our Professional Support Services and educator teams is to provide quality, evidence-based and equitable resources for use by families, students and staff. This new webpage is a step in that direction. Here is the shareable link: www.tdsb.on.ca/wellbeingresources .
Respite Updates
Please read the five updates below to support our families as it relates to Respite Care and Mental Health.
For any students with varying needs
Contact https://www.supportyourway.ca/Toronto/respiteservices, 416-322-6317 x 1
For students with challenging behavioural challenges and require intensive respite supports
(Please note that TDSB does not endorse private agencies)
For immediate respite supports contact https://wmanda.com/contact-us/
Other resources for parents
Podcast for ADHD and coronavirus info: https://additudemag.libsyn.com/292-coronavirus-crash-course-for-parents-keeping-kids-with-adhd-in-study-mode
Anxiety and COVID-19
Coping with Coronovirus (Covid-19)
Live: learn scientifically proven strategies for coping with COVID-19 inspired anxiety.
Thursday March 26, 4pm EASTERN standard time (1pm PACIFIC standard time)
https://www.anxietycanada.com/covid19/
Mindfulness for Families and other resources:
Community Living Toronto has compiled some resources to assist the families we support as they cope through these trying times which can be found at https://connectability.ca/what-to-do-while-in-isolation-covid-19-resources/.
Please read the five updates below to support our families as it relates to Respite Care and Mental Health.
- For any safety and emergency issues related to our students, it is suggested that parents may consider calling 911 for Police support.
- TDSB also has support for students’ mental health and well-being including providing online resources and outreach to students and families.
- Please see below an example of a communication that was sent by one agency; Community Living.
- More information can be found following this link Respiteservices.com
For any students with varying needs
Contact https://www.supportyourway.ca/Toronto/respiteservices, 416-322-6317 x 1
- Complete the family registration form
- By Friday, they should know if they can still support families with linking them to a provide
- Rates go from $17-20 hourly however for students with challenging behaviours, rates higher may apply.
- Can support with funding and also navigation service
- Here is an option for families in need at this time in TORONTO only. Things may change by Friday as many of the agencies are contacting the Province to reinstate their business as an "essential service" and would like to re-open.
For students with challenging behavioural challenges and require intensive respite supports
(Please note that TDSB does not endorse private agencies)
For immediate respite supports contact https://wmanda.com/contact-us/
- WM +A is still supporting respite at home and in the community
- Due to quarantine procedures, car rides and walks in the parks are the main options of being out in the community, WM +A has experience with students with disabilities and
- Rates start from $34-37 an hour however a $2-3 premium is being added as these workers are working within the current state.
- Hours are from 7 am to 11 pm for respite, 7 days a week
- Office is working remotely however will pick up calls until 11 PM daily
Other resources for parents
Podcast for ADHD and coronavirus info: https://additudemag.libsyn.com/292-coronavirus-crash-course-for-parents-keeping-kids-with-adhd-in-study-mode
Anxiety and COVID-19
Coping with Coronovirus (Covid-19)
Live: learn scientifically proven strategies for coping with COVID-19 inspired anxiety.
Thursday March 26, 4pm EASTERN standard time (1pm PACIFIC standard time)
https://www.anxietycanada.com/covid19/
Mindfulness for Families and other resources:
Community Living Toronto has compiled some resources to assist the families we support as they cope through these trying times which can be found at https://connectability.ca/what-to-do-while-in-isolation-covid-19-resources/.
