Governor Pritzker recently announced all schools statewide will be closed from Tuesday, March 17th through Monday, April 6th. Thousands of students across the state qualify for free meals during the school day, and the Illinois State Board of Education is working closely with local school districts to ensure no child goes hungry in the coming weeks.
Any student in the Chicago Public Schools district can receive boxes of food containing three days of breakfast and lunch. The boxes will be available at CPS schools between 9a.m. and 1p.m. each day schools are closed. Parents and guardians can call 773-553-KIDS for emergency delivery. Also check out our
Education FAQs page for frequently asked questions.
School districts across the state are implementing different plans to feed local students. Check this page frequently for updates on your district.
Child Care
The Governor has required the temporary closure of all care facilities. However, the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD), in partnership with the Illinois Departments of Human Services (IDHS) and Children and Family Services (IDCFS), has established a structure and system for child care providers to apply for an emergency child care license to provide care for essential workers. For families seeking information about child care closures and emergency child care, please see
this letter.
For more information on helping parents find care, please call the statewide toll free number (888) 228-1146 or visit the
emergency care website.*
For additional resources on how to talk to your children about coronavirus and how to manage family stress during this period, please go to the
GOECD COVID-19 resource page.
- Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development
COVID-19 Emergency Provider Information
Have more questions about available emergency child care, call the Early Learning Helpline at 1.888.228.1146 between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
emergencycare.inccrra.org
Other Resources
Links to translated resource material