With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
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.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist