In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fairfax County Office for Children is offering two webinar series to support early childhood educators, children and families during COVID-19 and in the virtual return to school.

In July and August, more than 400 early childhood educators participated in a three-part discussion series titled Happy to Be Back, which took place as children began to return in larger numbers to early childhood programs. OFC partners at the Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax Falls-Church Community Services Board, and early childhood programs presented their experiences and guidelines about bringing young children back into group care.

A continuation of the series, Happy to Be Back: The Conversation Continues, will be held in late September and October. These three sessions will offer updates and guidance on recommended procedures and discussions about new ways to implement best practices. They include:

• Connecting and Sharing in New Ways, a four-person panel about reconnecting and sharing new ways to create engaging learning environments, maintain social distancing and continue positive interactions. 

• Preparing for a Healthy Return, a three-person panel about the unique needs of children and families with information on safety guidance provided by the Fairfax County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control.

• Promoting the Best for Infants and Toddlers: Supporting Social Distancing While Maintaining Positive Relationships, a three-person panel about strategies for creating engaging learning environments and joyful play with infants and toddlers during COVID-19.

In partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, OFC is also offering a second webinar series, Virtual Back to School, to provide information on how to set up a virtual learning environment and offer appropriate grade-level support for school-age children who will spend their day in community programs.

Topics in this webinar series, which begins August 29 and offers sessions in English and Spanish, are:

• Creating a Safe and Productive Learning Environment: Learn how to set up a virtual workspace, create schedules for learning, and access technology support from FCPS.

• Supporting Students to Use Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and Schoology: Explore the different independent learning programs and learn how to support school-age children who will be using these platforms.

• Supporting Students to Use Google Classroom and Google Meet: Learn how to support school-age children who will be using these platforms.

For more information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/OFC.