Resources for Child Care Providers in Response to COVID-19

We are seeing more and more how vital early childhood programs are during a crisis. The health and safety of Kent County families are of the utmost importance as we all monitor and take precautions regarding the coronavirus COVID-19. 

First Steps Kent wants to connect our Child Care Provider Network to valuable resources that can help keep the children in your care stay safe and healthy.

First Steps Kent urges all families to review the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Kent County Health Department websites for the most up-to-date information.

View the executive order from Governor Whitmer. This order expands capacity for child care services for the essential workforce providing critical services during the COVID-19 crisis.

In an effort to collect critical information and to connect resources for child care providers who are staying open or can re-open and are willing to expand services during this emergency, all licensed child care providers are asked to please complete this survey. The survey information will be collected on an on-going basis.

General Guidelines for Child Care Providers

• Here is the CDC Child Care Guidance for Providers for COVID-19
  
• and the Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs

More in-depth information for Child Care Providers

• Financial Resources including Small Business Loan and Unemployment Assistance,
• The Child Care Aware website is a great link for child care provider resources. Find the information here.
• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has a wonderful list of resources for your use.
• Here is a statement we’ve been sharing released by NAEYC as well

Help with Essentials

• Calling 2-1-1 is going to be your best bet if you have any needs for food, shelter, utility bills. Start there, and they can direct you where there may be help available.
• Many Kent County schools are opening grab-and-go meal sites while schools are closed. Check out the Heart of West Michigan United Way website for times and locations.
• The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids will offer FREE MEAL SACKS for children in need in partnership with Kid's Food Basket during the statewide school closure. For kids age 0-18, on weekdays for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Find the list of distribution sites here.
• For a family who doesn't have internet service at home: Comcast is offering its internet essentials service free for the next two months. Apply here.
• If anyone needs diapers and wipes, Catholic Charities West Michigan is handing them out, along with free meals at God's Kitchen during their to-go meal service in the back of the building. Monday-Saturday, 12:30-2 p.m. and Sunday 2:30-4 p.m.
• Beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020, The Rapid will implement a reduced service schedule effective seven days a week. This schedule will remain in place until further notice. View the new schedule here.
• Substance abuse and mental health counseling. SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

COVID-19 Testing

• Spectrum Health has a virtual tool to screen anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. You can also call their hotline at 833.559.0659.

Translations

• The Refugee Development Center has translated important COVID-19 announcements.
• The CDC has also translated many of their fact sheets and print resources.

Brain Building Activities to do at Home

• Use Kent District Library at Home! You can get videos, books including Tumblebooks - a collection of animated, talking picture books, as well as games, educational tools and more geared toward younger readers.
• Mystery Science has gone through their elementary science lessons, pulled the easiest ones to do from home, and put them up on this link for free. No sign-up required, no student login.
  
• Early Learning Neighborhood Learning Collaborative (ELNC) put together this (clickable) Family Resource guide. It includes resources and activities.
• National Geographic Kids is full of great resources and videos.
• These educational resources have opened up their learning libraries for free while school is out.
• Something to Look Forward to Challenge for Kids at Home. GRKids will livestream an activity every day at 10 a.m. Details can be found here.
• GoNoodle resources for kids through songs, videos and more.
• Experience Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park including livestreams of the butterfly exhibit, daily story time with staff and “virtual visits” through their Facebook page.

How to talk to the children in your care about COVID-19

• On the University of Michigan Health Blog, a pediatric psychologist offers five tips for parents on how to talk about the pandemic with their children.
• These recommendations are taken from the National Association of School Psychologists and the National Association of School Nurses. Specific age-appropriate talking points to use with children are on this website.
• And another great resource from ChildMind.org.
• PBS offers 10 tips for talking to your children about COVID-19, including letting them know what to expect and trying to maintain as normal or a routine as possible.

If you have anything else to add to this list, email Megan Streng, Communications Manager at mstreng@firststepskent.org