COVID-19 for Early Childhood

Table of Contents

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, please contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R) by calling 1-877-202-4453 or visiting this website.
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.

For the Most Up-to-Date COVID-19 Information & General Guidelines

The United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides up-to-date information about prevention, symptoms, testing, and the current situation. Follow CDC recommendations. The site is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org are providing critical updates on COVID-19 for families and clinicians.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing "rolling updates" of COVID-19 guidance and recommendations.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) COVID-19 webpage is updated regularly with information in English and Spanish to keep Illinois residents informed.
Coronavirus.illinois.gov centralizes updates from state government, prevention and preparation tips, frequently asked questions, and resources from public health experts.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 webpage regularly updates the latest news, CDPH tweets, and answers to frequently asked questions.
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Coronavirus webpage features updates for families, resources for parents, remote learning packets, and community updates.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Coronavirus webpage, in partnership with IDPH, provides the most current resources and guidance to support Illinois education communities regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) COVID-19 webpage features the latest communications to day care providers, private agency staff, and families.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recent 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.