Resources for Parents During COVID-19

As families navigate the 2021-22 school year, we hope the resources included here can help. While we in the Office of Work/Life and School & Child Care Search Service do not have all the answers, we are here for you—to think out loud, explore options, and brainstorm potential solutions.

To connect with the School & Child Care Search Service, please complete our online information request form.

Parent Connection: Connect with other Columbia parents & families.

Sign-up for periodic updates from the Office of Work/Life.

Columbia Resources

For child care and informational support.

Parent Connection

Join to connect with other Columbia parents for mutual support, shared caregiving, or friendship!

Komae Cooperative Child Care

Online platform to help Columbia families connect and organize caregiving and learning pods with each other.

Sittercity

Free access to Sittercity’s comprehensive database through Bright Horizons. In-person and virtual care and tutoring options, help creating learning "pods," and discounts for their personalized nanny placement service.

Bright Horizons Back-Up Care

Eligible employees can access 150 hours of care when normal arrangements are disrupted. An additional 50 hours of care, for a total of 200, has been added for the year ending on June 30, 2022.

Barnard Student Employment

To hire Barnard students for child care or tutoring needs, post a job description through Barnard Student Employment. Contact BeyondBarnard for detailed posting instructions.

Tutoring Discounts through Bright Horizons

Through Bright Horizons, three tutoring programs offer discounts off standard pricing. One program is geared to early childhood.

Pre-K & Kindergarten NYC Newsletter

Subscribe to receive information about Pre-K & K admissions for fall 2022 and for updates about the 2021-22 school year.

Discover Earth Science Events - Lamont-Doherty

K-12 Events & Activities

Earth Institute Live

Live/archived sessions from Earth Institute experts for students K-12.

LenFest Kids

Columbia School of the Arts presents Lenfest Kids, a monthly series of film recommendations and screenings for the whole family.

Mental & Emotional Health Resources

Columbia University Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders

Cognitive behavioral therapies for children and adolescents suffering from anxiety or anxiety-related disorders.

CopeColumbia

Resources including counseling, support groups, meditations, and suggested readings for managing stress, fear and anxiety.

Child Mind Institute

Online resource for children's mental health information, research & treatment.

Additional Resources

NYC Department of Education: Health & Safety in Schools

Child Care Programs and COVID-19: What Parents & Guardians Need to Know (NYC DOH)

InsideSchools+

Free online community designed specifically for NYC families' school-related needs.