Westchester County issued the following announcement.
On Sept. 3 at 6 p.m., the Westchester County Youth Bureau will host an online forum entitled ‘COVID 19: Preparing for Back to School.’ This virtual presentation and discussion is designed to help prepare families of school-age children and youth for the start of the school year. Of the varying topics, experts will primarily focus on strategies to manage the anxiety of students and parents, instilling routines and norms during this unprecedented time, and resources in coping with loss, family members, and other stressors.
County Executive George Latimer said: “We recognize that the social, emotional and psychological implications concerning the pandemic have surfaced, particularly as we prepare for the new normal during this school year. Schools are working diligently to reassure parents as they send their children back to the classrooms. The Youth Bureau’s partnership with experts in the medical field and leading medical institutions demonstrates our desire to help support parents and providers and equip Westchester residents with additional supports and strategies.”
The Westchester County Youth Bureau is offering this virtual forum FREE for parents, students, and youth service providers. Expert panelists will include: Dr. Arlene G. Adler, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center Assistant Professor of Pediatrics & Psychiatry, New York Medical College; Dr. Ludmilar Mesidor, Psychiatrist, Private Practice, and member of Jack & Jill of America, Mid Hudson Valley Chapter; Dr. Cheryl Burton, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Certified Coach, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; and Dr. Debra DeFour-Pierce, School Psychologist, East Ramapo Central School District. The forum will be moderated by Cheryl Brannan, President of Brannan Solutions Group.
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “This opportunity comes on the heels of two previous virtual town halls that focused on preparing families for summer in light of COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Given the many questions and concerns regarding the return to school and our young people’s social, emotional and psychological well-being, our aim is to provide medically accurate information and real time information to best support our young people during their transition from home to school.”
Registration will close on Sept. 3 at noon. To register, send an e-mail to WCYB@westchestergov.com. To watch, tune in on Sept. 3, 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/WCYouthBureau.
Original source can be found here.