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 Miami’s Community Newspapers: “The ClearMask helps children develop communication and social skills by allowing babies and toddlers to observe their caretakers’ expressions and nonverbal cues.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From HuffPost: “Once again, the virus is exposing this country’s stark racial and economic divides.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From ABC Action News: “The teachers who are putting themselves at risk to make sure parents can go back to work, don’t have the same opportunities as K-12 teachers. Advocates say that needs to change.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The New York Times: “Faced with remote learning or socially distanced classroom options, some parents of rising kindergartners are considering holding their kids back.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From ABC Action News: “For young children, it’s not ideal to have a virtual program. They need the hands-on experience, they need the interactions,” said Lindsay Carson, who serves as the chief executive officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas. Read the full article here. View more articles here.