On March 9, Governor DeSantis declared a State of Emergency in Florida to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Since then, schools have closed, public spaces have emptied, and restaurants have pivoted to take-out and delivery operations only. Families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze.
Many essential personnel are still reporting to work: first responders, health care workers, food service teams, and, crucially, the early learning providers who care for their children.
We have compiled the following list of resources for Floridians navigating a changing society in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. If you are a parent navigating a loss of health insurance or looking for home schooling resources, we have resources below for you. If you are a child care provider looking for the latest guidance from the CDC or the Florida Department of Education, we have linked the best destinations for you below.
The Florida Department of Health also has a COVID-19 Call Center Available 24/7 at +1 (866) 779–6121 or you can email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
SNAP Maximum Monthly Allotment: All Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients’ benefit amounts will be increased to the maximum monthly allotment based on household size.
SNAP and TANF Work Requirements Waived: The Department of Children and Families (DCF) will waive work requirements for individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Online Purchasing Pilot for SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can purchase groceries online with the use of an EBT card. SNAP participants are automatically eligible to participate in this program and do not need to apply.
From JAMA Network: “Framing reading aloud and book sharing as a way parents show love to their children speaks to the science of reading aloud to children and to the emotional and relational benefits that scaffold parent identity and self-efficacy.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From EdSurge: “Under new safety protocols, early childhood educators have had to get creative about how they provide instruction and care. Some elements of child care have been phased out, at least for now.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From USA Today: “During the pandemic, mothers were more likely than fathers to reduce hours and leave the workforce altogether to take care of kids who are home.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From USA Today: “USA TODAY spoke with experts in child development on how remote school, reduced socialization and increased screen time is impacting kids.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From NPR: “Get creative about making time for reestablishing some of those lost connections. It will help your children, it will help you and it will likely help the people you’re reconnecting with.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.