During this uncertain time, as we all face the stress and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention team of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers a special new video series to help children cope with daily life during the coronavirus pandemic. Wingspan, LLC, the creator of Al’s Pals - Kids Making Healthy Choices, produced these videos featuring Al, the main puppet role model in their evidence-based program. While students may not be in their classrooms or day care settings where Al visits, Al has some special messages for all children.
Message from Al
Al checks-in with children and reminds them to be healthy with the be healthy song.
Encouraging children to talk about feelings
Al encourages children to talk to a trusted adult about feelings they may have from missing fun events and friends due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Al helps children deal with feeling scared when they see people wear masks
Al wears a mask and explains to children that many people are wearing masks to stay safe and healthy, and to stop the bad virus (COVID-19) from spreading. He tells them that it is ok if they feel scared or worried or any other feeling.
"Calm Down" steps to handle big feelings
Al talks to children about using the “Calm Down” steps to handle big feelings they may have from being home so much due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Self-regulation is an important social-emotional skill, particularly during this unusual time when feelings flare up because daily life has changed for so many.
Al helps children cope with being disappointed when plans are canceled
Al talks with the children about feeling disappointed when plans are canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He encourages them to think of other fun things they can do while staying home and to talk to a trusted adult about their feelings. Al sings the “Lots of Feelings” song to remind the children that any feelings they have are okay – there are no right or wrong feelings.
More about Al's Pals
CSB Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention Services coordinates the implementation of Al’s Pals, a SAMHSA Model Prevention Program developed by Wingspan, LLC. The program is implemented in collaboration with full or half-day programs in Head Start, community and faith-based early childhood education programs, and is delivered within the regular classroom setting. Al's Pals is part of a grant initiative awarded through the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Find out more about Al's Pals.
More about getting support for mental health challenges
If you or someone you care about are struggling with a mental health, take one of our free, brief online screenings to see if you should connect with a mental health treatment professional. In an emergency mental health situation, call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679 anytime, 24/7. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 911. Learn about how CSB services are being provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 resources
Visit the county's COVID-19 page for more resources.
Contact information
Contact for news media inquiries: Lisa Flowers, Communications Director, 571-474-5435 (cell) or 703-324-7006 (office).