The annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards seeks to gather the opinions of local parents on everything family-friendly in the region. Our readers and online followers voted for their favorite businesses, attractions, family services and more.
Here are the winner and finalists in the “Best locally-produced virtual learning experience” category.
Click here to view winners and finalists in all 26 categories.
Winner: Cuyahoga County Public Library
When it seemed like the world shut down in spring of 2020, Cuyahoga County Public Library became a lifeline for worried parents trying to entertain and educate their homebound children. Throughout the various stages of its operation during the pandemic, the 28-branch library system provided access to its digital collection and online learning platforms, as well as at-home activities and events for all ages: take-and-make activity bags for children, teens and adults; Grab & Go Storytime Kits; “A Conversation With…” virtual author visits; online Writing Workshops; Zoom virtual storytimes and more.
cuyahogalibrary.org
Finalists:
Beck Center for the Arts
While its traditional classes and performances were paused due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, it didn’t take the Beck Center long to come up with new virtual offerings. The #BeckAtHome series of videos featured instructors who provided activities and resources to continue arts education in ballet, yoga, early childhood music and theater, youth theater, visual arts and more. After reopening, the Lakewood organization continued to provide virtual and hybrid lessons in addition to in-person programming.
beckcenter.org
Fine Arts Association
During Ohio’s stay-at-home order in 2020, the FAA made sure area families could still get their daily dose of the arts through virtual lessons and classes, video performances posted to its YouTube page, and special online events. Even after reopening, the Willoughby organization continued to offer virtual options in addition to in-person programming to meet the comfort level of all patrons.
fineartsassociation.org