Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Virtual Preschool Blues? Untameable Tantrums? LAUSD Has A Helpline For Parents And Teachers
Young children often have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally. LAUSD has a new hotline to help parents figure out their kids' moods. (Charles Deluvio via Unsplash)
()
Last April, the Los Angeles Unified School District launched a mental health hotline for students.
One district staff member described it as "psychological first aid."
But what about supporting kids who don’t yet have the words to share what they’re feeling, let alone talk about it on the phone?
There’s now a helpline. Every weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. parents, caregivers and teachers of young children can call 213-443-0165 and get help navigating virtual learning, tantrums, anxiety and whatever else is on their mind that day. (Parents, caregivers and teachers of older students can call 213-241-3840 for help during those same hours.)
Support for LAist comes from
There’s no need to wait for a crisis to call.
“We're there to listen without judgment,” said district psychiatric social worker Marcela Bustamante. She’s a trained mental health professional with tips on everything from the developmental milestones kids should hit before they ever enter a classroom to how to help family’s process grief together.
“Behavior is a form of communication, especially for children between 0 to 5, because they don't have the words to say it,” Bustamante said.
A kid that’s antsy in virtual preschool might need to try learning from a different part of the home, fidgeting with an object while they tune in or just a break away from the screen.
“Maybe they're not just trying to ruin our day by having this tantrum,” Bustamante said. “They're just letting us know like, ‘Mom, I need your time... I need more hugs throughout the day. I need more praise throughout the day.’”
The social workers can also assist families who need help with special education services and connections to community resources.
“If we can really intervene early, and provide the parents and caregivers with the tools and skills, then they will be much more successful,” said LAUSD School Mental Health Director Joel Cisneros.
Support for LAist comes from
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child 5 and under, we want to hear about your experiences. How has your child’s behavior changed during the pandemic? What have you learned and what are your parenting hacks?
Fill out the form below and KPCC/LAist early childhood reporter Mariana Dale and engagement producer Stefanie Ritoper will read every response. We will not share anything publicly without your permission.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend. -
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure. -
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter.
Best of LAist