UPDATE FROM THE COLLABORATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD
DURING COVID-19
Updated 4/13/20
Dear friends,
The hearts and minds of the Collaboration team are with the network of families, providers, teachers and children that we serve, and all that we are doing as a community to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The Collaboration staff has been working hard to research and assemble high-quality, reliable information to help support the early childhood community.
As most people are aware, there is a lot of information out there! This page represents our effort to put forward the most relevant resources, and to present them in a format that is easy to access and share. Consider that guidance has changed frequently and much of the content listed here is timely. As our information changes, necessary changes will be made to this page. So, bookmark this page and check back as needed.
The Collaboration is committed to working together to make sure that our families and providers have the information needed to keep themselves healthy and well. Know that we will be here, and that you can count on us to put our energy towards that goal!
– John Borrero
Executive Director
Collaboration for Early Childhood
Staff Availability
All Collaboration for Early Childhood staff are working remotely as of Monday, March 16, 2020. You can find us on email and by phone as usual and we will respond as quickly as we can. Unfortunately, we cannot be physically in the office and the Village Hall building may be closed, so please contact us by email or phone if you’d like to get in touch.
708-613-6122
Heather Duncan is available for questions related to child care centers/preschools, professional development, and early learning. 708-613-6122 x 3
Shannon Ellison is available for questions related to developmental screening, early intervention, hearing/vision screening and resources for health professionals. 708-613-6122 x 5
Jennifer Little is available for questions related to home visiting, family outreach, and events with community partners. 708-613-6122 x 2
Masks and Other Personal Protective Equipment
If you are an emergency child care provider or you provide services to young children and you need masks or PPE, please email us at info@collab4kids.org
Resources for Providers
Beginning on March 17, 2020, all public and private schools in Illinois serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students have closed their buildings through at least April 30, 2020.
- Child Care Provider Communication Group (Coming Soon, Private, email hduncan@collab4kids.org for access)
- COVID-19 Social Services Resource Guide (Oak Park and River Forest Township)
- List Your Center as an Emergency Child Care Provider
- Group TeleTherapy for Health Care Professionals and Early Child Care Providers
Newsletters from the Collaboration for Early Childhood:
Early Learning Newsletter
Directors’ Roundtable
Family Child Care Professionals’ Roundtable
Information for Providers
- Providing Child Care to Essential Workers
- IL Governor’s Office for Early Childhood COVID-19 Information
- COVID-19 Action Plan Template for ECE Providers in Microsoft Word or PDF
- Guidance to Schools and Child Care Centers from the CDC
- Guidance to Child Care Administrators from the CDC
- Guidance to Schools and Child Care Centers from IDPH
- Resources from IL Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics
- Bracing for COVID-19 Webinar on March 20, 1:00 CST from Early Childhood Investigations
- NAEYC Open Discussion Forums on COVID-19
- Child Care Aware: Pandemics
- Resources for Early Childhood Education Providers from Early Childhood Investigators
- Local Business Resources from the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce
- Article: Who Qualifies for Paid Leave Under New Coronavirus Law (New York Times, 3/19/20)
- U.S. Department of Labor COVID-19 and FMLA Q&A (May not yet reflect new legislation)
- Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Resources for Providers and Families
- Find Child Care for Emergency Workers
- COVID-19 Social Services Resource Guide (Oak Park and River Forest Township)
- Supporting Parents with Young Children during COVID-19 tips from Chicago Parent Program
- Village of Oak Park, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which reports cases in the area.
- Village of River Forest
- Health Connection Hub: Find services for individuals and families, including senior and youth services, developmental disabilities, medical health care, behavioral/mental health services, and other social supports
- Experts Discuss COVID-19 Impact on Children, Pregnant Women
- PBS: Help Young Children Learn and Play at Home
- Learning at Home During Trying Times