The New York State Education Department and New York’s nine public television stations have expanded educational resources, and “Learn-at-Home” programming is now available for all of New York’s students in response to school closings across the state to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In addition, the state’s education department has launched a dedicated website featuring remote continuity of learning resources to provide districts and teachers with increased options.

Students from prekindergarten through 12th grade will have access to PBS educational programming on air every weekday starting Monday, March 23. These efforts will help ensure that all students can learn at home whether or not they have a computer or broadband at home, according to a release from the state’s education department.

Pre-kindergarten and young learners can still watch familiar shows like “Sesame Street.” Elementary student broadcast schedules include programs like “Wild Kratts,” “Peg + Cat,” and “Cyberchase.” Middle school and high school programming include shows like “Nova,” “History Detectives,” and “Shakespeare Uncovered.”

Many additional programs are also available to stream on the free PBS Video and PBS KIDS Video apps.

Since every PBS station in New York has multiple digital channels, programming will be available for young children (pre-kindergarten to fourth grade) and older children (fifth to 12th grade) on different digital channels. They can be viewed for free over-the-air with a television antenna or on cable.

Local parents and educators should check WMHT for additional information on schedules and channel lineup. 

New York’s educators and parents can continue to access free educational resources that supplement and augment learning on the website,PBSLearningMedia.org.  PBS LearningMedia provides original digital content and supplemental viewing guides for on-air programming that assist in learning.

New special collections have been created for each grade level to make it easy for parents and teachers to select appropriate content if they are new to using the service. Webinars and online support materials have already been taking place and will continue to help educators make use of PBS LearningMedia as a distance learning tool.

The State Education Department’s remote Continuity of Learning Resources website is live now and includes options and examples of technology and non-technology-based resources for districts and schools, as they develop distance learning plans for students during school closures.

Among many other resources, this new site features lists of digital content to enhance distance learning in a dozen subject areas including early learning, English Language Arts, Math, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies and Special Education. Educators will also find digital tools to assist in communicating with students and families and creating engaging instructional opportunities for students.

The site also provides non-technological suggestions for schools and parents to consider when planning for continuity of learning. There are many ways students can continue learning that do not require access to a computing device.

The State Education Department will continue to update and add resources to this dedicated website as they become available.