Table of Contents
Vaccination Information for the Early Childhood Workforce
For the most up-to-date
information and guidance for P-12 schools, please visit the Illinois State Board of Education Coronavirus webpage.
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination information, please visit:
Click here for information on the COVID-19 booster.
Guidance & Resources for Child Care Providers
State of Illinois Guidance & Resources
For a chronological listing of updates and resources from State Agencies, visit the COVID-19 for Early Childhood page.
Strengthen and Grow Child Care Grants (SGCC)
In 2022, the Strengthen and Grow Child Care Grant (SGCC) will provide stable, predictable funding to support high-quality child care and invest in Illinois' critical child care workforce. As announced by Governor Pritzker and IDHS Secretary Hou on December 2, 2021, the Strengthen and Grow Child Care Grant applications will open in January 2022; the program will start in February 2022 and run through January 2023. Visit the SGCC webpage for the most up-to-date information and numerous resources to support programs as they prepare to apply.
Child Care Workforce Bonus
On Monday, September 13, 2021, the Governor announced a Child Care Workforce Bonus program to recognize the efforts of child care staff who served and continue to serve children and families in person during the pandemic. This bonus is funded by federal pandemic relief funds and will be administered through the Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). The Child Care Workforce bonus will provide bonuses of up to $1,000 for eligible child care providers. Visit the Child Care Workforce Bonus webpage for more information.
Child Care Restoration Grants (CCRG)
Child Care Restoration Grants are designed to support operations and cover revenue shortages generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 2, 2021, Governor Pritzker and IDHS Secretary Hou announced a six-month extension to the Child Care Restoration Grants that have been offered to Illinois child care providers since January of 2021. Visit the CCRG webpage for the most up-to-date information and support resources on this opportunity.
CDC Guidance & Other Resources
COVID-19 Safety Reminder Campaign for Providers, Staff, and Parents
Click here or on the images above to access all the COVID-19 Safety Reminder Campaign resources in Spanish and English.
Guidance & Resources for School-Age Providers
Guidance & Resources for Early Intervention Providers
National Resources
Guidance & Resources for Head Start/Early Head Start Programs
Guidance & Resources for Home Visiting Programs
- IDHS, MIECHV, ISBE & DFSS COVID-19 Guidance for Home Visiting, Coordinated Intake, and Doula Programs (6/14/22)
- IDHS, MIECHV, ISBE & DFSS Family Risk Screening Checklist for Home Visiting, Coordinated Intake, and Doula Programs (6/14/22)
- IDHS, MIECHV, ISBE & DFSS COVID-19 Protocols, Sample Flyer for Home Visiting Families (6/14/22)
Share Your Story Initiative—Home Visiting Inspiration in Illinois During COVID-19
Through its "Share Your Story" initiative, the Illinois Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program has provided an opportunity for home visitors to share on-the-ground stories of their experiences, including the bright spots as well as challenges. The focus of these stories is to bring attention to the amazing work they do, to share what has been working in serving families, and to illustrate how home visitors can be supported to continue carrying out their work.
Resources for All Early Childhood Professionals
COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs & P-12 Schools
Printouts for Classrooms
Resources to Support Children & Their Development Under COVID-19 Health & Social Distancing Requirements
Social-Emotional Toolkits for Early Childhood Education & Care Providers and Birth to Five Leaders
GOECD, in partnership with the Illinois Pyramid Model State Leadership Team, has developed Social-Emotional Toolkits early childhood providers and leaders can use to manage stressors and promote wellness during challenging times.
Social Emotional Learning Parent Resources
The Illinois AfterSchool Network and the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership developed resources, ideas and activities to support programs and families.
Additional Resources (listed alphabetically)
Mental Health Resources for All Providers