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 Florida Trend: “Florida has a growing number of children with a COVID-19 related illness, but how long it has been attacking children and the number of pediatric patients who have been treated remains a mystery.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From ABC Action News: “Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses and dispatchers can all apply to receive help for the next 3 months.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From ABC Action News: “Child care is absolutely essential to the rebuilding of our economy. So, we have to understand the issue and provide the support to our providers.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From Tampa Bay Times: “Some 58 percent of the child care centers in Pinellas County remain closed at the moment because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said a report from the Pinellas Office of Early Learning. And some of them may never reopen.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The New York Times: “While parents may worry that all these precautions will create too much stress, research shows that even young children understand the concept of keeping people safe, ‘kind of like how superheroes help save people.’” Read the full article here. View more articles here.