COVID-19 for Early Childhood

• For the Most Up-To-Date COVID-19 Information & General Guidelines
• COVID-19 Updates & Resources from State Agencies 

The health and well-being of children, families, and early childhood care and education providers in Illinois is of utmost importance. Many Illinois residents are wondering what can or should be done to prevent an increase in the number of cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) within the state. Helping control the spread of COVID-19 is everyone's civic responsibility. The resources below provide links to information to help keep all Illinois residents, especially families, providers, and those who support children, informed.

• 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. 
  
• The Chicago Department of Public Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. Phone lines are currently staffed from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Please e-mail coronavirus@chicago.gov or call 312-746-4835.
  
• Click here for a map and list of COVID-19 testing sites in Illinois. 
  
• Chicago residents and visitors can click here for information on the Emergency Travel Order and to see what states are experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases that will require quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. 
  
• 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.
• To find child care in your area, call (888) 228-1146 or visit Phase 3 & 4 Child Care Provider Search.
• If you have questions about child care-related responses to COVID-19, email: GOV.OECD@illinois.gov. 
• COVID-related questions for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) can be emailed to: COVID19@isbe.net.
• Questions about Early Intervention can be emailed to: DHS.EIQuestions@illinois.gov.

• IDPH - Interim COVID-19 Music Guidance (9/29/20)
• GOECD, DHS, IDPH, ISBE & DCFS - The Early Learning Landscape Six Months into the COVID-19 Pandemic (9/24/2020) Webinar Slides, Webinar Recording
  
• Pritzker Administration Provides $156 Million in Grants to 4,686 Child Care and Early Childhood Providers Amidst Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic (9/21/20)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $245 Million in Grants for Businesses and Communities Impacted by COVID-19 and Civil Unrest (9/15/20)
• State of Illinois Announces $16.6 Million Investment to Help Connect Residents with 1,300 Positions Created in Response to COVID-19 (9/10/2020)
• Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois & ISBE - Guidance for Delivering Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic (9/8/2020)
  

• MIECHV, DHS, IHSA, & Chicago DFSS - Revised Restore IL Guidance for Home Visiting, Doula, and Coordinated Intake Programs (8/31/20)
• IDPH - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Schools (Additional Guidance as of 8/19/2020)
• ISBE - Illinois Priority Learning Standards for the 2020-21 School Year (8/18/2020)
• IDPH - Guidance for Pre-K-12 Schools and Day Care Programs for Addressing COVID-19 (8/18/2020)
• IDPH - Guidance for Evaluating a Child's Medical Tolerance for Use of Face Coverings in Schools (8/17/2020)
• DCFS, IDPH & GOECD - Restore Illinois Licensed Day Care Guidance & License Exempt School-Age Guidance (8/17/2020)
• State Public Health Officials Announce New COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts to Take Effect in Region 4 (8/16/2020)
• Governor Pritzker Launches Largest Emergency Housing Assistance Programs in the Nation (8/7/2020)
• Governor Pritzker Announces Efforts to Protect Illinois Communities and Frontline Workers in Response to Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic (8/7/2020)
• IDHS - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Early Intervention (EI) Plan for Resuming In-Person Services (8/6/2020)

• ISBE - Transportation FAQ (updated 7/31/2020)
• IDPH, DCEO, & ISBE - Guidelines for Youth and Adult Recreational Sports (7/29/2020)
• DCEO, IDHS, GOECD, & INCCRRA - Child Care Restoration Grants Application is Now Available (7/24/2020)
• ISBE - Fall 2020 Learning Recommendations (7/23/2020)
• ISBE - Frequently Asked Questions for Early Childhood Block Grant Program Grantees on the Transition to In-Person Instruction (updated 7/21/2020)
• IDHS - Early Intervention (EI) Plan for Resuming In-Person (Face-to-Face) in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan (7/17/20)
• Office of the Governor - Mitigation Plan: Actions to Combat a Resurgence of COVID-19 (7/15/2020)
• IDPH - Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19: Interim Guidance (7/2/2020)
  

• IDPH & ISBE - Joint Guidance Regarding COVID-19 and School Graduation Ceremonies (6/30/2020)
• DCEO - Restore Illinois: Phase 4 Guidelines for Reopening (6/25/2020)
• ISBE & IDPH - Starting the 2020-21 School Year: Part 3 - Transition Joint Guidance (6/23/2020)
• IDHS - IDEA Part C Early Intervention (EI) Services Still Available to Families during COVID-19 (6/19/2020)
• IDHS - Frequently Asked Questions about Live Video Visits (i.e., teletherapy) for Families of Children Receiving Early Intervention (EI) during COVID-19 (6/15/2020)
• DCFS - Restore Illinois Day Care Guidance (6/12/2020)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $270 Million Grant Program for Childcare Providers (6/10/2020)
• MIECHV, DHS, ISBE, IHSA & Chicago DFSS - Restore Illinois Recommendations and Guidance for Home Visiting, Doula, and Coordinated Intake Programs (6/9/2020)
  
• IDHS - Guidance for EI Medical Diagnostic, Assistive Technology and Audiology/Optometry Services during COVID-19 (6/8/2020)
  
• ISBE & IDPH - Updated Summer School and Other Allowable Activities (6/4/2020)
• IEMA & IDPH - State Announces Community-Based Testing Sites Now Open to All (6/4/2020)
• MIECHV & IDHS - Home Visiting is Essential—Referral Guidance for Providers Supporting Families During COVID-19 (6/1/2020)
• MIECHV & IDHS - Home Visiting is Essential—Information for Families During COVID-19 (6/1/2020)

• IDPH - Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Violence, and Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention/Support Resources (5/28/2020)
• IDHS - Early Intervention Phased Reopening Plan (5/26/2020)
  
• IDHS - Update on Early Intervention Evaluations via Live Video Visits (5/26/2020)
  
• GOECD - Stopping the Spread of Hate: A Guide for Responding to Anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander Racism during COVID-19 (5/18/2020)
• IDHS - Guidance for CCAP Billing Certificates: Centers and Licensed Homes (5/15/2020) Spanish version on pages 3-4. 
• IDHS - Guidance for CCAP Billing Certificates: License-Exempt Homes (5/15/2020) Spanish version on page 2
• IDPH - Guidance on the Use of Masks by the General Public (5/15/2020)
• IDHS - Información importante sobre los certificados de facturación del Programa de Asistencia de Cuidado Infantil (CCAP) para mayo y junio (5/14/2020)
• IDHS - Letter Regarding Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Billing Certificates for May and June (5/14/2020)
• GOECD - FAQ for Families (5/11/2020)
• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) - FAQ for Businesses Concerning Use of Face-Coverings During COVID-19 (5/11/2020)
• IDHS - Frequently Asked Questions Compilation for Early Intervention during COVID-19 Pandemic Period (rev. 05/07/20)
  
• MIECHV & IDHS - Illinois Home Visiting Guidance for Breastfeeding During the COVID-19 Pandemic (5/6/2020)
• Office of the Governor - Restore Illinois Plan (5/5/2020)

• Governor Pritzker - New Stay at Home Executive Order in effect as of May 1, 2020 (4/30/2020)
• IDPH - COVID-19 Testing Guidance (4/27/2020)
• MIECHV & IDHS - UPDATED Illinois Guidance for Virtual Home Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic (4/22/2020)
• IDHS - Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) SNAP for Eligible Children of Free/Reduced Price School Meals (4/20/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, & ISBE - Comprehensive Health Guidance for Those Providing Child Care to Essential Workers During the COVID-19 State of Emergency (4/20/2020)
• ISBE - Letter from Superintendent Ayala (4/20/2020)
• ISBE - Frequently Asked Questions for Special Education During Remote Learning (4/20/2020)
• ISBE - Mandatory Suspension of In-Person Instruction Guidance for Illinois Schools and School Districts (4/15/2020)
• IDPH - COVID-19 Interim Testing Guidance for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) (4/14/2020)
• IDHS - Emergencia de salud pública por COVID-19 Política de exención de asistencia temporal (4/8/2020)
• IDHS - UPDATED: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Temporary Attendance Exemption Policy and Form (4/8/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, & ISBE - Guía sobre el COVID-19 para programas de cuidado infantil y aprendizaje temprano tras la prórroga de la orden ejecutiva de permanecer en casa emitida por el gobernador Pritzker (4/7/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, & ISBE - COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care and Early Learning Programs Following the Extension of Governor Pritzker's Stay at Home Executive Order (4/7/2020)
• Illinois Part C Early Intervention - Live Video Visits (i.e. EI Teletherapy) during COVID-19 Pandemic (4/6/2020)
• IDHS - COVID-19 Prioritized Essential Workers Child Care Application (4/5/2020)
• IDHS - COVID-19 Early Intervention Teletherapy Update (4/5/2020)
• IDHS - CCAP COVID-19 Prioritized Essential Workers Application Process (4/3/2020)
• MIECHV & IDHS – Frequently Asked Questions for Virtual Home Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Illinois (4/3/2020)
• IDHS - Pritzker Administration Expanding Available Services for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Survivors (4/2/2020)

• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, & ISBE - COVID-19: Respuesta sobre la educación y cuidado infantil en edad temprana de Illinois (3/30/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, & ISBE - COVID-19: Illinois’ Early Childhood Care and Education Response (3/30/2020)
• IDHS - Pautas y aplicación para programas de cuidado infantil (3/30/2020)
• IDHS - Emergency Child Care Stipend Memo & Guidelines and Application for Child Care Programs (3/30/2020)
• DCFS - Memo to: Emergency Day Care Permit Applicants (3/27/2020)
• ISBE - Remote Learning Recommendations During COVID-19 Emergency (3/27/2020)
• ISBE - Memo: Remote Learning Days (3/27/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, & ISBE - Guía para centros de cuidado infantil exentos de licencia que brindan cuidado infantil de emergencia para trabajadores esenciales durante el COVID-19 (3/25/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, & ISBE - COVID-19 Guidance for License-Exempt Child Care Centers Providing Emergency Child Care to Essential Workers (3/25/2020)
• ISBE - Memo from ISBE's Nutrition Program for Programs Participating in CACFP (3/25/2020)
• IDHS - UPDATED Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Early Intervention COVID-19 Policy/Procedures (3/23/2020)
• GOECD - Child Care Closures: A Letter to Families (3/21/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, and ISBE - Orientación para centros de cuidado infantil, hogares de cuidado infantil y programas de educación temprana (3/20/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, and ISBE - Guidance for Child Care Centers, Child Care Homes, and Early Education Programs (3/20/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, and ISBE - COVID-19: Preguntas frecuentes tras el cierre obligatorio de todos los centros y hogares de cuidado infantil (3/20/2020)
• GOECD, DCFS, IDHS, and ISBE - COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions Following the Mandatory Closure of All Child Care Centers and Homes (3/20/2020)
• Decreto Ejecutivo en Respuesta a COVID-19 (3/20/2020)
• Governor's Office Stay at Home Executive Order (3/20/2020), click here for Arabic, Polish, Chinese, and Hindi translations 
• IDHS - Early Intervention COVID-19 Policy/Procedures: Assistive Technology Requests (3/19/2020)
• IDHS - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Early Intervention COVID-19 Policy/Procedures (3/19/2020)
• IDPH - Interim Recommended Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Childcare/Daycare Centers (3/18/2020)
• IDPH - Interim Guidance for Risk Assessment for COVID-19 (3/18/2020)
• ISBE - Mandatory Statewide School Closure Per Executive Order 2020-05: Special Education Guidance for Illinois Schools and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) (3/18/2020)
• ISBE - Mandatory Statewide School Closure Guidance for Illinois Schools and School Districts (3/18/2020)
• DCFS, IDHS, and GOECD - COVID-19: información y apoyo para proveedores de cuidado infantil en el hogar (3/17/2020)
• DCFS, IDHS, and GOECD - COVID-19: Information and Support for Home-Based Child Care Providers (3/17/2020)
• IDHS - COVID-19 Exception Policy/Procedures for All Early Intervention Payees and Providers and Child and Family Connections Service Coordinators and Staff (3/16/2020)
• MIECHV, IDHS, and ISBE - COVID-19 Update: Home Visits Suspended (3/16/2020)
• DFSS - Clarification for our Chicago Early Learning Community - Home Visiting (3/15/2020)
• IDHS and DCFS - COVID-19: Preguntas frecuentes (3/15/2020)
• IDHS and DCFS - COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions (3/15/2020)
• IDHS, ISBE, and DCFS - Guidance for Child Care Centers and Early Education Programs (3/15/2020)
• ISBE - Mandatory Statewide School Closure Guidance for Illinois Schools and School Districts (3/14/2020)
• 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. (3/13/2020)
• ISBE - COVID-19 School Closure Letter & Guidance (3/13/2020)
• MIECHV & IDHS - COVID-19 Update: Home Visits Suspended (3/13/2020)
• IDHS - Guidance for Illinois Department of Human Services Staff and Providers (3/13/2020)
• Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) - Education-Related Guidance for Illinois Schools and School Districts Regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 (3/12/2020)
• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) & the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD) - COVID-19 Information to Support MIECHV and Healthy Families Illinois Home Visiting Administrators (3/12/2020)
• City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) - COVID-19 Guidance (3/09/2020)