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 Raise Your Hand Texas: “Our desire is to assure that students are taken care of physically and emotionally. If they are doing well, then they will engage mentally in the academic work. During this time, we are separated but not isolated.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The New York Times: “Here’s how to navigate the emerging guidance on breastfeeding in a pandemic.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The Gainesville Sun: “These students are more likely to be in out-of-school environments that are more adversely affected by the economic and health consequences of the pandemic – experiencing parental unemployment, lack of access to health care, and other trauma associated with the economic and health consequences of the pandemic.” Read the full article here.… Continue Reading Disruptions to Early Learning Raise Equity Concerns
From Tallahassee Democrat: “To ease the hassle of calling centers in search of availability, the state’s ELCs have dedicated Child Care Resource and Referral staff to connect families with providers who are open.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The New York Times: “Independent play is a skill your kids will use for the rest of their lives — and a way to claim some time for yourself during quarantine.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.