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COVID-19 Resources for Families with Young Children

As of June 11, 2021, Illinois has entered Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan. Mask requirements continue to align with CDC guidelines for those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. 


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: 

  • How to Communicate with Children about COVID-19 
  • Learning Activities to Do at Home 
  • Parent and Children Self-care
  • And more! 
SEL Toolkit ImageClick here for a quick tutorial on how to navigate the Emotional Well-Being Toolkit. 

Essential Resources

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent warning to consumers and health care providers about hand sanitizer products that are labeled as containing ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Please check the FDA webpage (which lists products to avoid) on a regular basis to stay fully informed regarding this important health issue.

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).
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • Family Community Resource Center Urgent Call Teams (IDHS)
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.
Should I send my child back to a child care or early learning program?
Financial Support
Mental Health Concerns
  • 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.
  • Violence Prevention & Support Resources (IDPH) (11/18/20) 
Food and Nutrition 
  • All students who qualify for free or reduced meals at school, regardless of status, are now eligible for the Illinois Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. If a family has a LINK card, these benefits will automatically be applied to their account; no need to call or apply. If a family does not have a LINK card, they can apply for this special program. Families can participate in both P-EBT and any meal distribution program that is currently available at their school; there is no need to choose one or the other. Click here for more information on the program and here for a P-EBT eligibility guide in Spanish and English for parents with school-age children. This benefit is available regardless of immigration status and is not considered in the public charge test.
  • ISBE has obtained the USDA waiver to provide meals to all children under age 18 during school closures, including children under five. Families should call their local public school for more information. 
  • Memo from ISBE's Nutrition Program for Programs Participating in CACFP (ISBE) (3/25/2020)
  • Find Food Near You (Greater Chicago Food Depository)

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. This first-of-its-kind program will be one of the largest and longest-term efforts by any city to provide free, high-speed internet over the course of four years to increase internet access for students. Chicago families can click here to check their eligibility. 

Countering COVID-19 Stigma & Racism

Home Visiting 

Preventing Sexual Abuse 

Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
  • Click here for resources focusing on the physical, mental, and financial health of grandparents raising grandchildren.


Protection for My Family & Household


Resources for Immigrant Families


Resources for Children with Special Needs

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