For information on emergency child care, visit our Emergency Child Care for Providers & Communities page.
Table of Contents
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Emotional Well-being Toolkit
- Emergency Child Care
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Protection for My Family & Household
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Essential Resources
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Resources for Immigrant Families
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Resources for Children with Special Needs
Emotional Well-being Toolkit: Resources for Children, Families & Caregivers
This is a stressful time for children, families, and educators. Concerns about the spread of COVID-19 are growing. Children may struggle with significant adjustments to their routines (e.g., schools and child care closures, social distancing, stay at home), which may interfere with their sense of structure, predictability, and security. The need for physical distancing can make us feel isolated and in need of ways to cope. 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:
- How to Communicate with Children about COVID-19
- Learning Activities to Do at Home
- Parent and Children Self-care
- And more!
Click here for a quick tutorial on how to navigate the Emotional Well-Being Toolkit.
Emergency Child Care
Protection for My Family & Household
- 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).
- All Illinoisans with a mobile phone can opt-in to receive daily updates about COVID-19 from IDHP. Text the word COVID to 312-500-3836. Click here for more information about the type and frequency of messages you will receive.
- Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19 can text "TALK" or "HABLAR" to: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Within 24 hours, you will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.
- Erikson Institute is now offering virtual mental health services in English and Spanish for parents and caregivers of young children regardless of their ability to pay. Most major insurances are accepted, and services can also be provided on a sliding scale or pro-bono basis. Parents and caregivers can reach out to set up an appointment through the intake line at 312-709-0508 (English) or 312-934-6446 (Spanish), or by visiting www.Erikson.edu/ccf. Additional information can be found in the press release.
- 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.
Essential Resources
Resources for Immigrant Families
Resources for Children with Special Needs