Shadow of the Virus: Colegio para Bebes/Baby College Addressing Covid-19 Post Traumatic Stress in Latinx Families in East LA

East LA

We blame the schools being closed, but we are avoiding the truth that children under extreme stress have difficulty with short term learning, exhibit hyperactivity behavior that is environmentally induced, regress or remain frozen in cognitive development, and lose language and social skills. Families are compromised. The Department of Social Services released a warning that the possibility of child abuse and domestic violence will increase, as indicated in the research based on Gearhart, et.al. 2018. Joblessness, food insecurity, housing issues, immigration status, DACA worries, and loss of family members to the coronavirus are all stressors unaddressed by the ‘lockdown’. (LA Times USC survey reports 75% of families lost income and experience food instability). LA County Health state that Boyle Heights had 50% more deaths per capita than the city. Post Virus Stress Syndrome (PVSS) is a reality in the Latinx community. We have to change our thinking.

Our programs must take a therapeutic model for the whole family to heal the damage caused by Covid-19. Underemployment 50%: Because of food insecurity and school closures, at this time we offer weekly curbside Covid-safe food boxes, emergency diapers, children’s books and Art/Science curriculum bags for families with children under 5. Child Abuse: We will reinstate our bilingual parent support groups “Parenting without Violence”, and Fatherhood program to mitigate possible child abuse and family violence. Currently we hold online classes. Loss of Loved Ones and Depression: “Saying Good-bye after Covid-19” Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration art exhibit slated. Individual families will display Ofrendas (family altars) and publicly recognize those lost to the pandemic. In preparation for the exhibit, we will resume our Adult Crafts Workshops which prepare traditional art sugar skulls, papeles picado, retaldos and family memorabilia for the Ofrendas. Social Isolation: Our team is committed to rebuilding our in-person progressive Reggio-Emilia therapeutic play-based model program in a Covid-safe environment. Our goal is to increase attachment between the parent and child, creating a strong bond that will endure through space and time. Research indicates this positive relationship ensures school success.

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Short term In one year, we hope to mitigate food insecurity, isolation, child abuse/family violence and other effects of COVID-19 Post Traumatic Stress in our families. Our goal is to develop strong effective attachment between children, parents, and teachers, as 100% of our children transition to Head Start, TK, or Kindergarten. We know this bond will lead to success in school. Long Term Hundreds of families will experience the benefits of Non-violent Parenting taught in our workshops. Their children will have a positive educational experience and thrive in school and society. Our programs connect with these Latinx children who grow into productive, self-actuated healthy adults, making LA in 2050 (when these US-born citizen children are in their 30’s), a better place to live. Getting a great start now, by addressing the Covid Post Traumatic Stress, will lead to greater resiliency in families and children.

Evaluation Process and Outcomes: The ‘Parenting without Violence’ Program served over 200 families per year in East LA providing a safe and positive environment where families actively engage in bonding and building trust-based relationships. Parents reported (Guidubaldi-Clemshaw Parent Education Satisfaction Scale, ACE Stress Assessment, Veteran’s Adm. PTSD) to using more effective ways to parent and deal with post-traumatic stress issues. Specifically, parents reported their children’s growth (through ASQ survey) in the use of academic language, self-regulation, and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, we empower parents to advocate for themselves and their children when needing access to health, education and special needs intervention services. Our goal is 100% post-enrollment in pre-K, TK or Kindergarten, Early Intervention or Special Needs Services. After pandemic shutdown, through 3/20/21, we have delivered over 2,500 art/science bags and over 2,000 food boxes.

Early education enrollment