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Stay Safe, Healthy and Connected – Preventing Child Abuse

Post author By Catherine Felegi2
Post date April 13, 2020

Posted on April 13, 2020

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a campaign to empower individuals to prevent child abuse and neglect across the nation. Per a recent article on NJ.com, March has seen a 32% reduction in calls to report child abuse and neglect to New Jersey’s State Central Registry (SCR), the child abuse hotline, compared to March 2019 numbers. Other states are reporting similar decreases.

However, though we want to see a reduction in child abuse, this drop in reporting is not necessarily a positive sign. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven people all over the globe indoors, self-isolating to stay safe from the virus, but it has also broken connections to necessary supports and oversights that may prevent potential child abuse cases. DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer warns, “March is traditionally one of our highest reporting months… The reduction doesn’t necessarily mean that children are experiencing less abuse and neglect, but rather it’s not being seen or heard. And so no response is being taken. It’s not being reported.”

At the beginning of the month, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) launched its Work to End Child Abuse and Neglect, or #WeCan campaign, distributing engaging digital tools to inform New Jersey residents of the resources available to prevent child abuse. Given the stress and anxiety that sheltering at home can cause, the #WeCan campaign has come at an opportune time to encourage everyone to stay safe, healthy and connected.

The DCF website provides helpful digital resources for managing anxiety, stress and offers free supports for people in crisis. ACNJ has compiled resources as well, including links to websites with free reading and educational materials, as well as virtual tour websites and other activities to share with children. The more that families feel supported, the less likely that child abuse and neglect will occur.

The #WeCan campaign uses the slogan, “Social distancing does not mean social isolation.” Check in with other family members and neighbors. The power of the internet makes this possible to do in more ways than ever before, including different social media platforms and even video conferences to see friends and family across the state. Even a simple phone call to talk through a problem may help divert a tragedy. Sharing resources offered by DCF, ACNJ and other advocacy groups can promote healthy mental outcomes and can even strengthen family ties.

For more information on the #WeCan campaign, visit the DCF Facebook page at facebook.com/NewJerseyDCF. In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately call the (SCR) at 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873) (TTY 1-800-835-5510). If the child is in immediate danger, individuals should call 911 as well as the hotline.

Understanding Unemployment Benefits and Paid Sick Leave Amidst COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date May 6, 2020

Posted on May 6, 2020

Back in March, ACNJ conducted a survey to evaluate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the child care community to date. To address the concerns raised, we held multiple Q&As with leading authorities to help navigate the resources available to the child care community. Below is a list of questions from the surveys and Q&As, as well as emails, conversations with members in the community and information found on the New Jersey Child Care for COVID-19 website.

Download FAQ's

Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI)Benefits

Eligibility Criteria:
Worked 20 weeks @ $200+ per week or earned $10,000 in base year

Weekly benefits:
60% of average earnings, max of $713 per week
Partial benefits for 20% (or greater) reduction in hours
26 weeks max

Apply online at www.nj.gov/labor
Straightforward layoffs – should be processed quickly
Terminations, voluntary quits, etc. – may experience some delay
Must claim benefits each week

Three Pandemic Unemployment Programs:

1. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC)

During the period of: week ending March 29, 2020 to week ending July 25, 2020
Provides an additional $600 flat amount to everyone getting unemployment benefits: “Regular” UI, PUA, partial UI/PUA, PEUC (but not ABT)
No separate application
Automatic payment (payment is separate from regular UI or PUA)
First payment - week of April 14, 2020
Does not affect eligibility for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program
No recoupment of PUC benefits for overpayments

2. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

Must first apply for regular UI then denied to be considered for PUA
During the period of: January 27, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (possible retroactive benefits)
Max of 39 weeks, paid weekly
Weekly benefit rate = minimum ~$200/week, max $713
Partial PUA available
For workers unemployed (or under-employed) due to COVID-19 and ineligible for regular UI:

* self-employed

* independent contractors

* “gig” economy employees (*should be eligible for regular UI)

* people unable to start a new job due to the pandemic

Persons who are otherwise not eligible for regular unemployment benefits (like insufficient base year earnings)

3. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

During the period of: week ending April 5, 2020 to December 31, 2020
Additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits

* Regular UI claimants now eligible for 39 weeks instead of 26 weeks

Application uncertain – check NJDOL website for updates: https://www.nj.gov/labor/
Available to those who exhausted benefits after July 1, 2019
o States have to notify those who may be eligible

o Claimants will get PEUC first, then (potentially) PUA
Still have to meet eligibility criteria (with some flexibility)

FAQ's About Unemployment Benefits

1. Can non-profit religious-based preschool employees receive unemployment insurance?

2. Who qualifies for the additional $600 per week?

3. Are staff eligible for the additional $600 unemployment insurance if their work hours have been reduced?

4. If an employer lays off employees in April or May, will the employees still qualify for unemployment and will they receive the additional $600?Can I apply for both loans?

5. Can a family child care provider, who is self-employed and receives a 1099, collect unemployment? Is the process for applying different? What benefits will they receive?What information will I need to apply for the loans?

6. Can business owners, who are not on payroll, qualify for unemployment?

7. Is unemployment insurance charged to an employer?

8. Can a person collect unemployment if state unemployment insurance was never withdrawn from his/her salary?

9. Can employees who receive a 1040 qualify for unemployment?

10. Can an employee apply for unemployment if the employer has not issued a 1099?

11. If an employee, such as a pregnant employee, quits her job due to COVID-19 concerns, can she collect unemployment?

12. Can an employee collect unemployment if they have been laid off, then subsequently offered their job back and they then reject the offer?

13. Can an employee of a center that closed prior to Executive Order 110 and was laid off receive unemployment if the center reopens to provide child care to essential service employees, but the employee does not wish to return to work?

14. An employee has been laid off, then is rehired after their employer received a loan through the Payroll Protection Program, and then laid off again when the loan runs out eight weeks later. Can the employee re-apply for unemployment?

15. How should an employer proceed if their center closed because of Covid-19 but hopes to reopen when allowable?

16. If a person is denied unemployment, what is the appeals process?

17. Is a person receiving unemployment required to pay the amount back in their income taxes?

18. How does someone apply for the extension for PEUC?

19. If local government does not allow the center to re- open but your staff is working remotely part time, can they apply for partial unemployment benefits?

20. If there are less than 20 employees at the center do the unemployment rules apply?

21. What is the best way to contact the state’s unemployment office?

To file a claim visit: https://myunemployment.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/covidinstructions.shtml. The claimant should receive a confirmation number. The claim will be reviewed by Unemployment Insurance staff. NJDOL system is experiencing record levels of demand and all in-person services statewide are currently closed due to COVID-19. If your application was not successful, please keep trying. You will not lose a day’s benefits as all claims will be backdated to your first day of employment loss. If getting through by phone is not possible, send an email through the “contact us” link on the NJDOL’s website.

22. How does workshare apply to child care providers and their ability to keep their employee salaries whole?

Workshare is a program which allows employees experiencing a reduction in hours to collect a percentage of their unemployment compensation (UC) benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. In order to be eligible, the employer must have an approved Short Term Compensation (STC) plan in place with Unemployment. In order to qualify for STC, employees must first be determined to be eligible for UC. While receiving UC benefits under an STC plan, employees are not required to meet availability or work search requirements, but they are required to be available for their normal workweek. An alternative to the work share program and requiring a STC plan, is if the employee’s hours are reduced, then they can receive partial unemployment benefits. The employee would report their gross income and would receive the difference, up to the defined partial benefit rate. Partials do not require any set plan, and can just be set up by filing a claim and reporting wages.

NJ Earned Sick Leave

Employers, regardless of staff size, must provide employees with up to 40 hours a year of paid sick leave per year.
- This applies to full-time, part-time or temporary workers (*regardless of immigration status)
- 1 hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours worked (employer can also give 40 hours up front)
- Up to 40 hours of unused sick time can be carried over to the next year, but employer does not have to allow more than 40 hours of leave per year.
Time can be use for employee’s own illness or to care for a sick family member (broad definition)
- Employer can request medical documentation after 3 days
Also covers time off due to school closure because of a public health emergency
Enforced by NJDOL, Wage and Hour

Find more information at https://www.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/earnedsick.

Federal Paid Sick Leave

Covers employees that work for private employers with less than 500 employees (and certain public employers)
Available even if worker already used up Federal Family Medical Leave (FMLA)
Supplements any paid sick leave that an employer already offers
If an employee is ill or quarantined by a doctor or government order:
- Eligible for up to two weeks (80 hours) of paid sick leave at the employee’s regular rate of pay (up to a maximum of $511 per day)
- No intermittent leave – stay home!
If an employee cannot work because he is caring for someone with COVID-19 or a child whose school/day care is closed:
- Eligible for up to two weeks (80 hours) of paid sick leave at 2/3 the regular rate of pay (up to a maximum of $200 per day)
- Leave may be intermittent if employer and employee agree
- NOTE: Employers with less than 50 employees may seek an exemption from these child-care related provisions of PSL or expanded FMLA

Expanded Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (Emergency Childcare FMLA)

Covers workers caring for child out of school/day care
- Must have been on payroll for at least 30 days prior to leave
Up to 10 additional weeks of partially paid leave
- 2/3 of the employee’s regular rate of pay, up to a maximum of $200 per day/$10,000 max
Leave may be intermittent if employer and employee agree
Not available if worker already exhausted FMLA leave
NOTE: Employers with less than 50 employees may seek an exemption from these child-care related provisions of PSL or expanded FMLA

Frequently Asked Question Related to Earned Sick Leave

Refer to the NJ Department of Labor Guides on COVID-19 scenarios with related benefits at https://www.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/earnedsick/covid.shtml

1. If an employer has less than 50 employees, how do they file for the FMLA exemption and paid sick time?

2. If I receive 10 sick days per year from my full time job, am I entitled to an additional 1 hour of earned sick leave per 30 hours for my part time job?

The New Jersey Earned Sick Leave law does not require an additional number of paid sick days if the employer is already complying with the minimum number of days for the covered reasons of taking leave.

The Federal Emergency Paid Sick Days requires employer pay workers for an additional 10 days during the pandemic for COVID19 related reasons.

So yes, a part time job would also need to provide you with 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours you work and be required to allow you to take at least 5 paid sick days a year.

3. Can employees who choose not to work at an opened child care center - use their 40 hours of sick leave?

Yes, if the reason for taking sick leave is covered under the Earned Sick Leave law. To learn more visit https://myleavebenefits.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/earnedsick/law.shtml and scroll down to How Can I Use My Earned Sick Time?

Also, if the employer is covered under the Federal Emergency Paid Sick Days and FMLA and if the worker has a protected reason for taking leave, the worker can access that time.
See list of reasons.
NJ Department of Labor guides

4. Can an employer direct an employee to use paid time off prior to using NJ family leave?

5. If a child care provider laid off staff and rehires them after receiving a loan under the Payroll Protection Program, how will the employees’ eligibility for Emergency Family and Medical leave be affected?

6. Many public school employees who work in before or after care are still getting paid for their regular school job, but are no longer getting the additional pay for before or after care. Can they apply for unemployment? Do they have separate sick leave benefits under their position in before or after care?

7. If employees are on unemployment can they also apply for the FMLA extension?

8. Which paid leave benefit takes precedence - those under Family First Act or those available under Emergency FMLA Expansion?

New Jersey Child Care and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions on Paycheck Protection Program

Post author By acnj edit
Post date April 30, 2020

Posted on April 30, 2020

Back in March, ACNJ conducted a survey to evaluate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the child care community to date. To address the concerns raised, we held multiple Q&As with leading authorities to help navigate the resources available to the child care community. Here is a list of questions from the surveys and Q&As, as well as emails, conversations with members in the community and information found on the New Jersey Child Care for COVID-19 website.

Download FAQ's

Find more FAQ's by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.)

FAQ's About the Payroll Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan:

1. Who is eligible to apply for the PPP and the EIDL?

2. Are family child care providers eligible to apply for either the PPP or EIDL loans?

3. Where can I apply for the loans?

PPP: An applicant must apply through an eligible lender or bank. A current list of lenders can be found here: https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find Currently, TD Bank, PNC Bank, Kearny Bank, and Spencer Savings Bank will process applications even if an applicant does not have an account with them. If an applicant learns of other banks that accept applications from non‐account holders, please contact pcanning@acnj.org. However, applicants should start their search with the bank in which they do business. If the home bank is not accepting applications, the prospective applicant should ask their bank for recommendations or contact the above-named banks. The PPP application form should be submitted to an eligible lender: https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form--paycheck-protection-program-borrower-application-form

EIDL: The EIDL application is submitted directly to the Small Business Administration (SBA) here: https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19#/

4. Can I apply for both loans?

5. What information will I need to apply for the loans?

PPP: The information needed to apply for the PPP may differ depending on the lending institution. Reviewing the above link to the PPP application will help determine the specific information required. Each lender will advise as to whether any additional information is required.

EIDL: The information required for the EIDL must be completed in one sitting, as information cannot be saved on the website. The website indicates to allow at least two hours to complete the application. The application should be reviewed beforehand so that the applicant has all the necessary information at-hand needed to complete it.

6. How long do I have to apply for the loan?

7. When will I find out if I have received the loan?

PPP: Banks particicipating in the PPP have 10 days to disburse the loan proceeds once the loan is approved. The bank may opt to disburse a portion of the loan and ask for an account of how the money is being spent before disbursing the remaining funds. Applicants should talk with their banks to determine how the funds will be made available.

EIDL: The EIDL loan advance is automatically deposited into an applicant’s account three days after the application has been processed. However, due to the overwhelming response rate, the timing is no longer guaranteed. The balance will be dispersed based on individual circumstances.

8. Do the loans cover property, accident, general liability and workman’s compensation insurance?

PPP: In order for the PPP loan to be forgiven, it must cover 75% of payroll expenses and expenses related to payroll such as associated healthcare insurance and 25% of other business operating expenses. Legislative language ( https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6819239/FINAL-FINAL-CARES-ACT.pdf page 11) clearly says that “payment required for the provisions of group health care benefits, including insurance premiums;” are included in payroll costs. For an explanation, the Wall Street Journal notes, “What are payroll costs?” Payroll costs include what you would think: salary, wages, commissions, or similar compensation, as well as tips, for employees in the United States. It also includes payment for leave (including vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave but not those that you get a credit for under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act); severance packages; employee group health care benefits; and state and local taxes on compensation. If you are an independent contractor or sole proprietor, it refers to your wage, commissions, income, or net earnings.”

EIDL: The EIDL loan covers general support such as equipment costs/leases and any other costs associated with business continuance.

FAQ's About the Payroll Protectition Program (PPP):

1. What period should I use to calculate the payroll average for the PPP?

The PPP payroll cost calculation will depend on the lender. Most banks are requesting the average payroll information for a 12‐month period, either the calendar year 2019 or the immediate 12‐month period prior to applying for the loan. Applicants should check with their lender to determine which payroll cost calculation they prefer. If a business is new or seasonal, special calculations will need to be made.

2. When will a PPP loan be forgiven?

3. If all or part of my loan is not forgiven, what is the interest rate and when will I have to pay it back?

4. If I laid off my staff, can I still apply for the PPP?

5. If I kept one employee and the others are on unemployment insurance can I use the PPP loan to continue to pay for me and other expenses, like rent and other building bills?

6. What happens if I cannot rehire all of my employees?

7. What if I am not able to keep all of my employees on payroll for eight weeks? (Ex. Worker(s) quit, employee becomes sick, etc.)

8. What happens after the eight weeks? Can my employees go back on unemployment and will that jeopardize the loan forgiveness?

9. What if it takes me longer than eight weeks to use the loan?

10. If my child care program is currently closed, can I apply for the PPP?

11. Can I use the loan to pay for health benefits for my employees?

12. Can you use the loan to pay for health insurance that is not a group insurance plan?

New Jersey Child Care Subsidies and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 9, 2020

Posted on April 9, 2020

Back in March, ACNJ conducted a survey to evaluate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the child care community to date. To address the concerns raised, we held multiple Q&As with leading authorities to help navigate the resources available to the child care community. Here is a list of questions from the surveys and Q&As, as well as emails, conversations with members in the community and information found on the New Jersey Child Care for COVID-19 website.

Download FAQ's

For Child Care Centers that are Currently Closed:

1. Will subsidy payments be made to child care centers that have closed as a result of COVID-19?

2. If my program closed, will I need to submit attendance records or any other documentation even though I am being paid based on my subsidy enrollment as of March 16th?

For Child Care Centers that are Currently Open:

3. If my program is open to serve children of essential employees, but I have fewer subsidy children than my normal capacity, will I be paid for those children who are not currently attending my program?

4. Will I receive additional dollars if I am open to serve essential service employees’ children?

5. Is there a list of open centers to share with essential service families?

6. Will emergency child cara list oe centers receive f parents who have been deemed eligible so that we do not accept the ones who have not registered? Yes. This information will come directly from your CCR&R.

7. How do we know whether the parent has correctly filled out the emergency application?

8. What will the payment practices and processes include for emergency child care centers?

9. Will essential worker parents need to provide a current universal health form and immunizations of their children to the new center?

10. Can a potential employee be hired if they have not completed a CARI check or a background check?

Co-Payments:

11. Will the parent co-payment be paid?

Family Child Care:

12. Will family child care homes receive the new emergency child care reimbursement rate?

For Parents Needing Care:

13. How do I know if I am considered essential and eligible for emergency child care assistance?

14. I am an essential service employee. How can I apply for child care?

Educational and fun resources for kids while school is out

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 9, 2020

Posted on April 9, 2020

Parents, having a hard time with this distance learning or forced homeschooling during the pandemic? Trying to replicate the school setting at home? Well you don't have too. What a relief! Parents have a unique role that can help facilitate learning for kids without having to take on the role of "teacher". Below are some helpful resources to help kids compliment their school work and simply to have fun while learning.

Not all the resources listed are free, but many provide free trials and some are providing free services while school is out due to the COVID-19.

RESOURCES

ABC Mouse- great for younger children. (Free trail for 30 days.)

Adventure Academy - for ages thirteen and younger; works on reading, math, social studies, science (free trail for 30 days.)

AWE learning- free printable worksheet for ages two to twelve

Bedtime Math- Provides activities to help kids love numbers so they can handle the math in real life. Check out their “cabin fever” math activities for kids to enjoy at home

**Brain Pop- Help curious learners stay informed and on-track with free resources and videos

Breakout EDU- games to download to play; k-5

Character Tree- Free home access to the Character Tree videos and supplemental/printable activities, through June 30, 2020. The subscription includes 32 character education videos, 32 sets of printable activities, and teacher’s guides.

Creosity Space- Provides lessons from Contagion Crushers, Water Watchers, and Conscientious Chemists units at no cost to help support teachers, parents, and guardians to keep all kids engaged in science.

Museum of Natural History

Arizona State University- Created fun sites including Ask an Anthropologist, Ask a Biologist, and Virtual Field Trips.

Railroad- provides virtual story telling and activities to go along

Curriculum Associates- Provides resources for educators and parents tailored to your state core curriculum standards including downloadable packets for K-5 (Math and Reading).

DK- provides printable worksheet for students to complete.

ED helper- provides a daily free worksheet

**Elementari- Promotes arts, literacy, educational computational thinking and ultimates helps kids improve writing.

**Fabulingua- This platform allows students to learn Spanish.

Freckle- Adaptive math and ELA courses are always available for free for teachers and students.

Hand2 Mind- Free daily content including streaming video lessons, taught by teachers, directed towards kids in grades K-5, for both math and literacy. Also find downloadable activities and STEM resources.

Head Sprout- An online K–5 reading program that adapts to the needs of the individual student. It is self-paced, which makes it ideal for at-home practice.

Holiday House- Online resources complete with educator guides, lesson plans, and activity sheets.

Homer- App to help 2-8 kids learn to read

Kid Discover- They offer a K-2 literacy program, with a strong focus on phonics and comprehension.

Kahn Academy- They offer free resources to keep everyone learning while schools are closed; daily schedules for students ages 2-18 to keep them learning.

Lalilo- They offer a K-2 literacy program, with a strong focus on phonics and comprehension.

Lego- For families at home they have entertainment and learning content, including daily build challenges and fun LEGO lessons.

Literably- K-8 reading

Metal Up- MentalUP is a UK-based award-winning scientific-educational application containing cognitive learning games for K-8 learners.

Mystery Science Science offers digital video mini-lessons for science subjects K-5.

Pebble- PebbleGo offers safe, interactive online research resources on topics selected by their teachers for students K-3.

Pitsco - Hands-on, minds-on learning can happen anywhere and everywhere. If you’re looking for STEMspiration because of an unexpected homeschooling need, you’re in the midst of an uncommon education experience, or you just want to have some STEM fun, we’ve got ideas.

Prodigy- Math games for first through eighth grade.

Reading IQ- ReadingIQ is a comprehensive digital library offering books, magazines, comics, and more for kids from ages 2-12. It’s a smart replacement for library time right now and makes it possible for teachers to monitor what and how much their students are reading.

Reading Plus- Free printable skill-building packages help develop reading comprehension in essential comprehension skills, which include close reading, main idea and themes, interaction of ideas, use of language, structure, point of view, imaging scaffolds, reasoning and rhetoric, and comparative reading.

Scholastic Scholastic- Scholastic Learn at Home website to provides students with approximately 20 days worth of learning journeys that span various content areas. Students get approximately three hours of learning opportunities per day, including projects based on articles and stories, virtual field trips, reading and geography challenges, and more.

Seussville - The area dedicated to the parents of small ones includes full of activities, crafts, and printables. The Educator section includes resources for supplemental activities in Art, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Language Arts.

Simple Solution - Includes quick short activities in reading, science, social studies, study skills, and problem solving.

Stars Fall- An interactive program for ages 2 to 5 that is engaging but does not over stimulate children. Developed by preschool teachers, it is primarily geared towards teaching children the foundations of reading.

Sum Dog - An online learning tool which provides personalized math and spelling practice. It adapts questions to each student, using engaging games and rewards for effort and achievement to build their confidence, and is proven to accelerate progress.

Summer Math Challenge- Super Star Online, by Help Me 2 Learn, is a supplemental reading, phonics and, math program featuring a wide variety of songs, interactive activities, and games in an engaging and easy-to-use format. Features our Super Star Motivational and Data Tracking System.

Tinkergarden- Provides educational activities designed for learning at various ages and requiring only basic household items.

Typsey- This platform provides lessons to help kids learn to type.

*Virtual Field Trips- Here you can explore the world without right from your home.

Write Readers- WriteReader increases students’ digital writing skills significantly in only 6 weeks. Teachers can also remotely provide feedback to students and have them engaged with meaningful writing activities.

Zearn- Top-rated math content available online or paper-based materials that can be used without a device. Also find extensive distance learning resources created to support educators and parents/caregivers in getting started quickly and are offering webinars, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides on their Distance Learning Center.

Fighting Boredom?

Check out these ideas shared with us to help keep everyone entertained while in isolation.

NY Times recommendation on What to Watch, Read and Listen To During Your Coronavirus Self-Quarantine.

Family-friendly movies
IMDB has a list of top 100 movies to watch with your family.

Movies for us parents on Netflix!

Concerts
Here are some ‘quaranTuning’ updates.

Take a virtual museum tour
An extensive list of museums, zoos and theme parks offering virtual tours. Some links include:
The Louvre, Paris, France
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
The Vatican Museum, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
The British Museum, London, England
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY

Explore some National Parks
These 5 national parks offer virtual tours.

Spend a night at the opera
The Metropolitan Opera will be streaming a new show every night.

Tune into The Chamber music Society of Lincoln Center for videos of classical music and performances.

Children’s activities (for kids of all ages)
Scavenger Hunt around the neighborhood: You can get your neighbors/ friends involved. Everyone picks items to find and sends pictures – first to send the pictures wins.

Write Letters to grandparents, friends, family who are lonely in quarantine.

Write Letters to local nursing homes.

Cooking something as easy as sharing with your child different ways to cook an egg can be highly entertaining.

Workout This is good for your health and one of the most important factors for a strong immune system!
YouTube’s options are endless. Many gyms are offering ‘free trials’ for their virtual training – for example:

Peloton app is offering 90-day free subscription
OrangeTheory is offering a daily ‘At-Home workout’ on their app.