DepEd provides psycho-social support for teachers, school personnels, parents stressed by COVID-19 pandemic

As the academic community prepares for the necessary change because of the global health crisis, the Department of Education (DepEd) has put emphasis on the importance of overall wellness and taking care of one's mental health. That is why the department assured teachers and school personnel distressed by the coronavirus pandemic will be provided with psycho social support.

Photo credit: dailyguardian.com.ph

On Thursday, Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones admits that the tasks for the incoming school year could challenge the emotional and mental health of teachers. She said,

The Department understands that the preparations for the incoming school year can be mentally and emotionally strenuous...This is why we have highlighted programs that will offer psycho-social support for teachers, parents, and other members of the community,

According to DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali earlier, teachers are possibly facing stress in preparation for the blended learning approach this coming school year amid the pandemic.

DepEd launched a course on the provision of psycho-social support and training wellness to help and assist teachers and school leaders. The first part of the course is called Psycho-social Support, which consists of a series of online sessions. The second part is Training Wellness with weekly learning ‘playlists’ that include course videos. DepEd's regional or division will also provide self-learning modules for teachers who have no access to the internet.

As for parents, they can also access video series Gabay Bahay on DepEd Philippines’ Facebook page to improve their engagement in the protection and well-being of their children during this time of crisis.

Meanwhile, according to DepEd as for children with disabilities, since July there were online sessions that facilitate their well-being, protection, and learning continuity. It includes art-based and home-based activities with the assistance of invited artists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and other field practitioners.

Last June, DepEd announces that they removed around 60% of the curriculum to adjust for the remote learning approach this coming school year. They only left the most essential learning competencies for the students. The department has been busy preparing for ways to deliver education to students through self-learning modules, broadcast media, and the internet.