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 USA Today: “If I can’t get it all completed, if they’re trying their hardest, that’s the best we can do right now.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From Orlando Sentinel: “Families depend on a whole village of care to make it possible for both parents to work and children to thrive. That village is buckling under the strain and the repercussions will be felt everywhere.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From HuffPost: “If you act as though the mask is an annoyance or a source of anxiety, your kid will notice. If, instead, you emphasize that it’s a simple thing you can all do to help keep others safe, your kid will very likely adopt a similar attitude.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The Washington Post: “Some kids can’t bear the feeling of mask elastics pulling on their ears.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The New York Times: “It has become agonizingly clear to parents of young children that the economy cannot fully reopen without child care.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.