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 Sarasota Herald-Tribune: “There’s no such thing as online pre-K. Even though learning is happening, it can’t be what they can learn in a classroom.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From Tampa Bay Times: “For mothers of newborns during quarantine, regular challenges, emotional ups-and-downs and postpartum depression feel amplified.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From HuffPost: “Developmental toys are a great way to keep babies occupied and entertained while learning. There are many different options for different stages in a baby’s first year.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From HuffPost: “There are many things that all child care centers should be doing once they reopen to keep children and families safe.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From USA Today: “Parents should consider whether their children can or will stay 6 feet away from people they don’t live with. If not, they should not take them to the pool.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.