Maintaining academic and social-emotional skills during the summer
As the school year winds down and summer break approaches, parents and providers seek ways to maintain a child’s academic and social-emotional skills. Encourage families to set a semi-structured schedule and establish summer goals. This can include seeking out community opportunities through park districts and libraries or planning activities through a local parent social media group. Spending family time together can include a walk at the park, hiking, playing sports, board games or outside games together.
In anticipation of unstructured time during the summer months, help parents and teens establish healthy guidelines around digital and social media use.
Extended School Year Programming may be available for children who have an IEP for behavior, cognitive, and/or academic challenges. Explore the child's existing IEP or advocate for the possibility of enrolling.
Finally, some children face food insecurity when they aren't in school. For those who may have limited access to food, there are federal nutrition programs throughout Illinois that can help maintain nutrition.
Pediatric and perinatal mental health concerns don't pause when schools go on summer break and neither do we. Rest assured that in the coming months the Illinois DocAssist psychiatric consultation phone line will be available to you during normal business hours except for the holiday hours listed below. Start a free consultation by calling 1-866-986-2778 or complete the online request form.
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Resources
Provides guidance on setting children up for summertime success. The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need to thrive.
The interactive map of public library service areas in Illinois was developed by Geospatial Mapping, Applications, and Research Center (GeoMARC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in partnership with the Illinois State Library. The map overlays library service areas boundaries with 2020 United States Census data.
Illinois State Board of Education
ISBE provides leadership and resources to achieve excellence across all Illinois districts through engaging stakeholders in formulating and advocating for policies that enhance education, empower districts, and ensure equitable outcomes for all students.
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
USDA Food and Nutrition Service mission is to increase food security and reduce hunger in partnership with cooperative organizations by providing children and low income people access to food, a healthy diet and nutrition education in a manner than supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.