COVID-19 Resources for Families with Young Children

Table of Contents

Emotional Well-being Toolkit: Resources for Children, Families & Caregivers

This is a stressful time for children and families. Concerns about the spread of COVID-19 are growing. Children may struggle with significant adjustments to their routines, which may interfere with their sense of security. Pressure on parents and caregivers can be overwhelming and leads to frustration. The Illinois Pyramid Model State Leadership Team, in collaboration with the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development, has collected resources to help manage stressors and to promote wellness during these challenging times. The Emotional Well-being Toolkit includes: Click Here for more Information.

How to Communicate with Children about COVID-19
Learning Activities to Do at Home
Parent and Children Self-care
And more!

Essential Resources

Family Community Resource Center Urgent Call Teams (IDHS)
COVID-19 Public Communication (Illinois Department of Public Health -IDPH):
- Opt-in to receive a welcome message from IDPH and a second text letting you know you will receive updates about COVID-19 in Spanish or English.
- Call4Calm: Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19 can text "TALK" or "HABLAR" to: 5-5-2-0-2-0 to connect with a mental health professional.
Illinois Cares for Kids is one place parents, grandparents, and caretakers can access all things related to early childhood education and care in Illinois. You can find resources, programs, and support.

Questions about COVID-19?

Restore Illinois is a five-phased plan guided by health metrics to safely and deliberately reopen Illinois.
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH.illinois.gov) has a statewide, 24-hour COVID-19 hotline (1-800-889-3931) and a designated email address (DPH.SICK@Illinois.gov).
Lurie Children's COVID-19 Call Center - Do you have questions about COVID-19? You can call (312) 227-5300 and speak with a Lurie Children's nurse with questions related to testing criteria, symptoms, or general information. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seeking parent tips and activities during the pandemic?

Parenting for Lifelong Health developed COVID-19 Parenting Tips, proven parenting tips and activities for all ages in over 100 worldwide languages.

Financial Support

Most Illinoisans are eligible for the Child Care Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit from the federal government. Visit www.GetMyPaymentIL.org. Via the dropdown menu in the top left corner of the homepage, the site can be translated into: English, Arabic, Chinese, Polish, Spanish, and Tagalog.
Eligible Illinois residents and families can apply to receive assistance with food, rent, utilities, temporary shelter, medicine, and other essential household services at: www.helpillinoisfamilies.com.

Food and Nutrition

Internet Access for CPS Students

Chicago Connected is a groundbreaking program that will provide free high-speed internet service to approximately 100,000 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students. Chicago families can click here to check their eligibility.

Countering COVID-19 Stigma & Racism