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

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

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:

  • 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

 

  • 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)

 

  • 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

These employees should be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

The $600 additional payment is for those receiving regular Unemployment, including any state (Extended Benefits) or federal extension (Pandemic Extended Unemployment Compensation), those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and those paid through Trade Act (TRA). Regular Unemployment payments include those with federal or military wages as well.

Anyone receiving unemployment, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or partial benefits under either of those programs will be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (the extra $600/week until 7/31/20).  These $600 payments are automatic.

In New Jersey there are set requirements to determine the validity of a claim. If you do not have a valid claim, then your claim will be evaluated for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Whether receiving Unemployment or PUA, you will be eligible for the $600 additional payment.

 

Anyone self-employed, or paid through a 1099, who does not meet the qualifications for a regular unemployment claim, may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The instructions on how to file for PUA is available here.  The claimant must first be denied regular unemployment before being considered for PUA.

Business owners will not qualify for unemployment; however, they may be entitled to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). They would still need to file a claim for unemployment and be denied first in order for their application to be considered for PUA.

An employer’s tax experience rating may be affected by the receipt of unemployment benefits by an employee or former employee, but tax impact depends on the particular circumstances of the case.

 

It depends.  A worker in this situation should apply for UI benefits, and the NJDOL will investigate the matter to determine whether or not the worker is eligible for benefits.  The worker will have to supply documentation regarding the employment.

Yes. If you are working in covered employment you may be entitled to Unemployment.

A 1099 worker is generally an independent contractor; not an employee (unless they’ve been misclassified).  Independent contractors experiencing unemployment or under-employment related to COVID-19 may be eligible for PUA benefits.  The worker should go ahead and apply for benefits, even if they don’t have the 1099 yet.

 

Potentially, this would require adjudication to determine eligibility for Unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Potentially, this would require adjudication to determine eligibility for Unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Potentially, this would require adjudication to determine eligibility for Unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

You are able to reopen your unemployment claim as many times as necessary during the one year benefit period.

While an employer is not paying an employee, the employee should apply for benefits.  If the center later reopens and calls the employee back to work, s/he may or may not be eligible for continued benefits, if s/he chooses not to return to the job.  Such a determination requires a fact-specific analysis – it depends on the particular circumstance of the case.

A claimant who receives a Notice of Determination stating they are ineligible for benefits must appeal within 7 days from receiving the notice or within 10 days of the mailing date of the Notice of Determination.  The appeals process is explained on the Notice of Determination.  The appeal, at this stage, is to the Appeal Tribunal, which will then hold a phone hearing.

Unemployment benefits must be reported for tax purposes, and claimants may choose to have deductions taken from the benefits up front, but they are not required to repay unemployment benefits through taxes.

That information should be published on the NJDOL’s website soon.  We do not know the process for this yet.  Eligible claimants will be notified of the process.

 

Yes.  If a worker’s hours have been reduced by 20% or more, they should be eligible for benefits.

The same rules for unemployment apply regardless of the size of the employer.

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.

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.

 

  • 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.

  • 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

 

  • 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

An employer with under 50 employees IS NOT exempt from providing emergency paid sick time, only the emergency FMLA.  Find more details here:

Combined flyer and Emergency Paid Sick Leave

Find How businesses are "reimbursed" via tax credits

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.

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

 

An employer cannot require an employee to use their paid time off prior to using NJ Family Leave Insurance.  Click here to learn more.

PPP is not under the scope of Unemployment, however if an employee is being paid full pay from their employer, they are not entitled to Unemployment or PUA benefits.

If they are still being paid for their full time position they are not entitled to Unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Any earnings received for a week claimed would have to be reported. If you are earning more than your partial benefit allowed (defined on the monetary determination they would receive) then you would be ineligible for any benefits.

 

FMLA is not related to Unemployment.

FMLA is not a paid program. Worker’s Compensation, Family Leave Insurance, Unemployment, and Disability are all examples of a paid program. To determine which program you may be entitled to depends on your personal circumstances. You can see the depart of labor site for a breakdown on which program is most likely right for you.

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

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:

Small businesses, including certain eligible nonprofit entities, for‐profit, and self‐employed businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply.

Yes, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self‐employed persons are eligible to apply for both 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#/

An applicant can apply for both the EIDL and PPP loans. If an applicant receives both, the amount of the EIDL loan will be rolled into the PPP loan.

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.

PPP: The PPP loan application will be available until June 30th but it is first come, first serve until there is no longer funding available.

The EIDL will be available until all funds are depleted and it is also, first come, first serve.

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.

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):

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.

A PPP loan will be forgiven if:
1. 75% of the loan is used for payroll expenses; and
2. If employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks (up to June 30th)

The PPP loan must be paid back within two years and there is an interest rate of 1%. Loan payments will be deferred for six months and there is not a prepayment penalty.

Yes, applicants can apply for the PPP if staff have been laid off, but they must be rehired in order for the loan to be forgiven.

Loan applicants can use the PPP loan proceeds for their staffs ad themselves on payroll, healthcare costs, pension benefits as well as utility costs, rent expenses and mortgage interest on business mortgages. After receiving the loan, if the full staff is not rehired prior to the eight‐week period, or staff salaries have decreased more than 25%, the full loan will not be forgiven.

The PPP loan will be reassessed at the new payroll rate and the loan recipient will be responsible for the balance of the loan if the number of employees rehired are fewer than the amount stated in the application.

Each employer is reassessed at the new percentage and will be responsible for paying back the difference, if the new rate is less than the original rate in the application.

The PPP is an eight-week spending program. If employees are paid during those eight weeks, employees are eligible again after the eight weeks for unemployment unless the PPP is modified.

The remains of the loan, after the eight weeks, will need to be repaid.

Yes, all child care programs that closed either before or after the state mandate can apply for the PPP. For the loan to be forgiven it must be used to continue to pay staff, utilities, rent, or mortgage interest during the eight week period.

Yes, associated health benefits may be covered with funds from the PPP.

Yes, if it is business-related.

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

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:

Yes. Payments will be made until the end of April based on subsidy enrollment as of March 16, 2020. The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development will continue to assess the situation and make further funding decisions regarding subsidy payments on a month-by-month basis by the end of April.

No. Closed programs with enrolled subsidized families only needed to submit attendance records and documentations for payment in March. There was a system update and payment for April will be based on enrollment through the E-Child Care system in April.

For Child Care Centers that are Currently Open:

Yes. Subsidy payments will continue to be made based on your March 16th enrollment numbers regardless of attendance until the end of April.  

Yes. Licensed child care centers that have been approved by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing to provide emergency child care for the children of essential employees and will be reimbursed per child per week at the following rates:

  • Infants - $450.35/week
  • Toddlers - $415.70/week
  • Preschool - $415.70/week
  • School Age - $336.00/week

Yes. It can be found here. Essential employees can also contact their county’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency, who can help inform families about programs, rates and availability.

You will receive a notification from your CCR&R informing you which families have been deemed eligible for emergency child care as essential service workers.

Even though payment is based on enrollment, providers are required to send weekly attendance logs to their CCR&R. Payment will be issued through direct deposit.

Due to the urgency of the situation, there will be some flexibility in providing relevant health information for children.

No. Individuals cannot be hired without completing a CARI check or having the required background check. It is best to work with your CCR&R to help find staff who meet the standards.

Co-Payments:

Yes. The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development may cover the full amount of the parental co-pay for all children receiving a subsidy from March 16th through the end of April. However, per guidance dated April 7, 2020, co-pay waivers have been issued. Subsidized families seeking a co-pay waiver must contact their CCR&R.

Family Child Care:

No. Family child care homes will continue to receive the same subsidy reimbursement rate that they were previously receiving. However, if they are caring for children of essential workers, they will receive $100 additional per month for each child of an essential service employee enrolled.

For Parents Needing Care:

A list of those who are considered essential and eligible for emergency child care assistance can be found here.

If you meet the definition of an essential employee, you can complete an application for emergency child care by clicking here.

Educational and fun resources for kids while school is out

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.

Session III Child Care and COVID-19: Understanding Unemployment Benefits

Posted on April 15, 2020

Watch Part 2: Question and Answer Session on Unemployment

Please let us know your thoughts on Session III the Child Care & COVID-19: Understanding Unemployment Insurance Q&A session. Fill out feedback form.

Resources

Power Presentation:
Understaning Umemployment Insurance by
Sarah Hymowitz, Supervising Attorney, Workers Legal Rights Project, Legal Services of New Jersey and
David Bander, Executive Director, Policy Office at NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development

  • NJDOL: https://www.nj.gov/labor/
  • FFCRA - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions
  • OSHA whistleblowing provisions - https://www.whistleblowers.gov/
  • The Century Foundation: https://tcf.org/topics/economy-jobs/social-insurance/
  • National Employment Law Project: https://www.nelp.org/
  • Information about paid sick leave and expanded Family and Medical Leave Act leave: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave and https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions
  • U.S. Dept. of Labor – www.dol.gov

 

View Session I webinar and resources. 

View Session II webinar and resources.

Stay tuned on the latest information, policy updates and resources for organizations that work with children and families during COVID-19 epidemic.