Family
Conexión a Internet para Hogares Elegibles



El Programa de Descuentos para Internet (Affordable Connectivity Program, ACP, por sus siglas en inglés) de la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (Federal Communications Commission, FCC, por sus siglas en inglés) ayuda a millones de hogares a acceder al servicio de internet y a ahorrar costos en su conexión
(Family Features) El servicio de internet de alta velocidad ya no es un lujo, sino una necesidad para todos, en todas partes.
Hoy en día, tener acceso a internet de alta velocidad en casa es necesario para nuestra vida diaria. Para acceder a servicios de telemedicina, para el aprendizaje en línea, o para conectarse con los seres queridos y mucho más. La mayoría de las personas desean tener servicio de internet móvil o en el hogar, pero tienen dificultades para cubrir el gasto mensual. El ACP conecta a los hogares latinos a nuevas posibilidades en línea y ayuda a pagar por el servicio de internet contratado a proveedores participantes. Este nuevo programa es una parte importante de una inversión actual del gobierno federal en la implementación universal de internet de alta velocidad y ayuda a los hogares elegibles a ahorrar en su cuenta mensual.
Para ayudar a garantizar que todos los hogares en los Estados Unidos puedan participar y contribuir con la sociedad y la economía de hoy, basadas en internet, el Congreso creó el ACP en virtud de la ley bipartidista de empleo e inversión en infraestructura de 2021 (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Desde que se lanzó el ACP, el 31 de diciembre de 2021, la FCC supervisa el programa para ayudar a los hogares elegibles a obtener acceso a un servicio de internet de alta velocidad que sea asequible.
“Para muchos hogares, el costo de los alimentos, la gasolina y el alquiler pueden agotar el presupuesto mensual, lo que deja el acceso a internet fuera de su alcance”, dijo la presidenta de la FCC, Jessica Rosenworcel. “El ACP es el mayor esfuerzo destinado a dar asequibilidad al servicio de internet de alta velocidad (banda ancha) en la historia del país, respaldando las conexiones a internet en millones de hogares. Esto es un avance, pero queremos hacer más para difundir este poderoso programa y llegar a las familias que tal vez no conozcan este beneficio.”
Cómo Funciona el Programa
Los hogares elegibles también pueden recibir un descuento, por una sola vez, de hasta $100 para comprar una computadora portátil, una computadora de escritorio o una tableta electrónica a alguno de los proveedores participantes. El programa ACP está limitado a: un descuento en el servicio mensual de internet y un descuento en la compra de un equipo de conexión a internet por hogar (se entiende por hogar un grupo de personas que viven juntas y comparten dinero, incluso si no están emparentadas).
A junio de 2023, más de 18 millones de hogares se habían inscrito en el programa ACP y están conectados a los servicios de internet de alta velocidad que necesitan para el trabajo, la escuela, la atención médica y mucho más.
Cómo Inscribirse
Hay dos pasos para inscribirse en el ACP:
- Las personas interesadas pueden llenar un formulario de solicitud en línea disponible en el sitio web AccedeaInternet.gov.
O también puede enviar su solicitud por correo. Para pedir un formulario impreso, llame al centro de apoyo del ACP (ACP Support Center, en inglés) al (877) 384-2575. Hay operadores bilingües disponibles y pueden responder a sus preguntas en inglés y en español. Aunque a través del centro de llamadas no podrá inscribirse en el programa, los operadores podrán ayudarle, respondiendo cualquier pregunta que tenga sobre el proceso de solicitud.
- Si su solicitud es aprobada, comuníquese con su proveedor de internet local para seleccionar un plan y aplicar el descuento a su cuenta mensual. Use la herramienta “Companies Near Me Tool” (en inglés) en AccedeaInternet.gov para encontrar proveedores de servicios de internet participantes en su área, por ciudad y estado o por código postal. Los consumidores pueden seleccionar el tipo y nivel de servicio de internet que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades.
El ACP protege a los consumidores permitiendo que los hogares elegibles seleccionen el plan de servicio que mejor cubra sus necesidades. No se les podrá negar el servicio de internet a los hogares elegibles en base a su calificación crediticia o por deudas anteriores con el proveedor, y a los hogares suscritos al ACP se les permite cambiar de proveedor o de plan de servicio de internet, sin cargo o tarifa por cancelación.
Para obtener una lista completa de los requisitos de elegibilidad y más información, visite AccedeaInternet.gov.
Requisitos de Elegibilidad
Los hogares pueden calificar para el ACP si cumplen por lo menos con una de las siguientes condiciones:
- Si el ingreso total de su unidad familiar es igual o inferior al 200 % de las Pautas Federales de Pobreza (Federal Poverty Guidelines), aproximadamente $60,000 al año para una familia de cuatro personas o $29,000 al año para una persona.
- Si cualquier persona del hogar, incluidos los hijos o dependientes, participa en ciertos programas de asistencia del gobierno, como por ejemplo el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, también conocido como Food Stamps), Medicaid, el Programa Especial de Nutrición Suplementaria para Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC, por sus siglas en inglés), el Programa de Asistencia Federal para la Vivienda (Federal Housing Assistance) u otros programas.
- Si cualquier persona del hogar ya recibe un beneficio Lifeline.
Un hogar también puede calificar para el ACP a través de un programa ofrecido por algún proveedor participante a personas de bajos ingresos.
Fotos cortesía de Getty Images
Clothes and Fashion
Crayola Teams Up with Kohl’s for Color-Forward, Limited-Edition Merchandise Line
EASTON, Pa., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Crayola, the brand that unites imagination and self-expression through color, and fashion retail giant Kohl’s are teaming up this holiday for the first-time to launch a merchandise collection, Crayola x Kohl’s, available exclusively at Kohl’s and on Kohls.com beginning Monday, October 2nd.









The limited-edition line, aimed at engaging consumers through color and creativity, features merchandise across several categories including fashion apparel, accessories, gifts, impulse buys, home décor and more. Stand-out products include joyful jammies for the whole family, a vibrant Jetson scooter, cheerful tabletop décor, and so much more. In addition, the merry home collection will feature extensions of the Crayola Colors of Kindness line, designed to amplify the conversation during this season of color with words of kindness and positive self-talk through scented candles, home décor and fun accessories.
“Crayola’s collaboration with Kohl’s will capture all the joy and excitement in retail this holiday season. The robust ensemble of merchandise will bring celebrations and traditions to colorful life with unexpected products that will surprise and delight,” said Warren Schorr, Crayola Senior Vice President, Business Development, Global Licensing and Experiences. “The Crayola x Kohl’s collection empowers kids and adults alike to express themselves through gift giving in bright colors and kind sentiments—including every shade of happy.”
To view and shop all the items in the Crayola x Kohl’s collection, consumers can head to Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com on October 2nd. Kohl’s Rewards members can access the collection on September 29th.
About Crayola
Crayola LLC, based in Easton, Pa., and a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Incorporated, stands as the global trailblazer in children’s creative expression products. Born from the iconic Crayola Crayon in 1903, the Crayola brand has blossomed into an expansive portfolio of art tools, crafting activities, toys, and digital platforms, allowing children to color their world in imaginative ways. Dive deeper at www.crayola.com or join the community at www.facebook.com/crayola.
SOURCE Crayola
child education
Set Children Up for Day Care Success: 6 ways parents can prep little ones for child care
Long days of school, first trips to day care or even a return from a period of at-home care can be difficult or downright nerve-wracking for parents and children alike.



(Family Features) Long days of school, first trips to day care or even a return from a period of at-home care can be difficult or downright nerve-wracking for parents and children alike. This new adventure can bring challenges from keeping children healthy to supporting their nutrition and more. Sending a little one to day care can even result in maternal separation anxiety.
To help alleviate some of the anxiety and parental concerns, the childhood nutrition experts at Gerber teamed up with Dr. Whitney Casares – a board-certified practicing pediatrician and creator of “Modern Mommy Doc” – to share these tips for families preparing their little ones for child care.
Keep Important Factors Top of Mind
As part of appreciating the milestone of the first time at day care, Casares encourages parents to remember that, while daunting, day care means new experiences, new friends and opportunities for growth, fun and healthy development. As part of the transition, she suggests paying attention to critical factors like sleep, nutrition, illness prevention and emotional development.
Support Their Immune Systems
Offer little ones a diverse array of nutritious foods during the transition to day care. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is essential for building immune systems. Additionally, iron-rich foods like iron-fortified baby cereals, eggs, beans and meat are critical for a strong body. Caregivers should frequently wash hands and focus on good sleep hygiene.
Put Nutrition on the Menu
When packing lunch boxes for a day of care, it’s important to keep nutrition in mind. Once children transition to finger foods, Casares recommends snacks from Gerber like Peach Puffs, Fruit and Veggie Melts and Wonderfoods Superfood Hearts, which come in a variety of flavors and include vital nutrients to optimize health.
Be Prepared for Separation Anxiety
Not all infants and toddlers experience separation anxiety, but many can, so it’s good to be prepared. Casares encourages parents to pack a familiar swaddle blanket in infants’ diaper bags to help ease those anxieties. Some toddlers benefit from having a beloved stuffed animal or blanket with them. Try introducing these transitional objects to little ones early so they smell and feel familiar when drop-off comes around.
Pack the Essentials
While nutritious foods, like Gerber Fruit and Veggie Pouch Blends, are certainly near the top of the list, there are plenty of other essentials to pack for each day. Don’t forget to add breast milk or formula, bottles and extra nipples alongside snacks and meals. Also remember to pack extra sets of clothes, diapers, wipes and those anxiety-soothing must-haves like blankets and stuffed animals.
Prepare for Appetite Changes
It’s common for children’s appetites to decrease during their first few days of child care as they may eat a little less while growing accustomed to their new environment and surroundings. There’s no need to worry – parents can adapt to these changes by understanding they’re often a natural part of the transition. While you may find little ones are hungrier before and after day care, this behavior should ease over time. If it doesn’t, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to be sure babies stay on track.
To find more childhood nutrition advice, visit Gerber.com.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Gerber
Family
5 Tips to Cut Costs While Traveling
Whether it’s gas prices, airline costs, limited lodging options due to high demand or a multitude of other factors, it can get expensive to travel.



(Family Features) Whether it’s gas prices, airline costs, limited lodging options due to high demand or a multitude of other factors, it can get expensive to travel. Depending on the destination and length of your stay, planning a vacation can take months of saving and research on everything from activities to accommodations and more.
However, these tips can help you keep travel costs down and get the most enjoyment out of your trip.
Stick to a Budget
After accounting for your transportation and lodging – the largest portions of most trips – set spending limits for the rest of the trip, including food, activities and souvenirs. If you have a set budget, you’ll be more willing to pass up spontaneous temptations, knowing you’ll otherwise have to cut back elsewhere. Also remember to track your spending during the trip to avoid going over your intended budget.
Take Advantage of Rewards Programs
Many retailers offer special perks, like discounts or exclusive coupons, to loyal customers to help encourage repeat visits. Taking advantage of these rewards programs, which are typically free to join, can be a simple way to save money on purchases you’ll likely make anyhow. For example, the global convenience store chain Circle K launched the free Inner Circle membership program, which rewards customers who download the app and sign up with instant access to save 25 cents per gallon on their first fill ups and five free beverages. In addition, members can save up to 5 cents per gallon on fuel and receive offers like buy five, get one free on select snacks, fresh food and beverages. There are also upgrades for customers who reach certain spending thresholds and opportunities to stack membership offers with Easy Pay to save an additional 10 cents per gallon on every fill-up, allowing the savings to build up while on the road.
Consider Alternative Lodging
While hotels are a tried-and-true option for vacation lodging, there are other options to consider, especially when planning an extended stay or traveling with a large group, that can help you save money. Booking a rental home or apartment unit may be a more cost-effective option despite the requirement of a deposit, which is typically returned at check out, assuming there is no damage and all cleaning requirements are completed. If the stay is shorter, you could also consider boarding at a hostel.
Limit Dining Out
While one of the biggest perks of traveling is often trying cuisines and restaurants you’re unable to at home, opting to make some meals yourself can provide considerable savings. If exploring the culinary scene for dinner is a must, consider a simple lunch like making sandwiches in your rental kitchen or hotel room and packing grab-and-go snacks to hold you over while exploring. If your hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, this is another easy way to save on food costs since it’s already rolled into your lodging.
Look for Free Activities
Even in more expensive destinations, there are typically no-to-low-cost activities. Some museums and zoos are free of charge to enter, but concessions and amenities can cost extra. Many major cities also offer free walking tours. Checking with your concierge if staying in a hotel may also lead to free or reduced cost passes to attractions.
Visit CircleK.com or download the app for more cost-saving ideas and to find the nearest participating location.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (mother in car)
SOURCE:
Circle K
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