BOCES 2 preschool teams have connected families with food pantries, mental health supports and community agencies, in addition to instructional supports and resources. Work hasn’t stopped for BOCES 2 preschool staff and teachers, it’s simply different now. Staff continues to support students and families. They reach out to families on a weekly or even daily basis to provide instructional supports and resources, video-conferencing, tele-interventions and helpful phone calls. They have connected families with food pantries, mental health supports, community agencies and even basic necessities, such as diapers. 

These are challenging times. Resources that families typically rely on, like respite and the school system, are not available. Our families are learning how to navigate working from home while caring for preschool-age children with disabilities. This can be a daunting task. 
Staff has seen a large increase in the need for mental health supports. Normally, preschool has limited mental health support capabilities, but an expanded partnership with the BOCES mental health department is providing more supports for families and helps them connect with community mental health resources.  

Preschool supervisor Heather Malone said, “I am awestruck by our staff’s ability to reassure students, provide supports for families, make sure families have the resources that they need, and continue to build a sense of BOCES community and pride during this unprecedented time. Our BOCES staff are out there creating a new way of learning that will lead to student outcomes and enhanced relationships with our families.”