Mental Health: CA Students and Absences
According to a 2020 national survey of youth, 51% of respondents identified mental health breaks/absences as the second most critical mental health support, only after access to mental health professionals.
California Senate Bill No. 14 allows students between the ages of 6-18 years old to have up to 5 days of excused absences due to their mental health; no questions asked. Learn more by visiting the PIQE website!
All of California Now has Access to HelpNow
The California State Library provides free online tutoring for California K-12 students, available through public libraries. Through HelpNow, live real-time homework assistance is available 24 hours a day by laptop, tablet, or phone from qualified tutors using state curriculum and standards.
24/7 assistance is available in English and Spanish for Language Arts and Mathematics. Older students can receive help with Science and Social Studies as well! Additionally, users who have a valid library card can log into the service and receive additional benefits.
Every day between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm, assistance is available in core K-12 subjects in the following languages:
English
Spanish
Mandarin
Cantonese
Vietnamese
Tagalog
The HelpNow app is available on iOs and Android platforms via their app stores. The app is designed to function on smartphones as well as tablets.
The HelpNow platform is ADA compliant and offers a toll-free help number and an audio tutoring option. The service conforms to section 508 Standards developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative.
Do you need resources over the Holidays and beyond?
Find help locally with findhelp.org with things like food, goods, health, work, housing and more! We know the holidays can be difficult for many families and resources like these can help. Just enter the zipcode where you are located to be connected.
National PTA’s Multicultural Calendar highlights a diverse range of holidays, traditions and celebrations that may be observed in your community. We encourage PTA leaders to use this resource to be mindful of holidays when scheduling programming, to learn more about holidays celebrated in different cultures and to begin conversations in your community!
For additional guidance around diversity, equity and inclusion, explore National PTA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the related Local Leader Guidance. National PTA’s DEI Community Profile Template can also help you reflect on the identities represented in your community and how you can more effectively engage underrepresented families.
National PTA’s podcast can be a great way to start conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion. Explore our DEI podcast episode playlist. For even more resources, visit PTA.org/DEI
Learn more about Local Control Funding Formula
EIGHT PRIORITIES CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY DASHBOARD
MORE LCFF/LCAP RESOURCES TO HELP YOU