Emotional Well-Being Toolkit: Resources for Children, Families and Caregivers

The responsibility of parents and caregivers are many, and these responsibilities can be even more overwhelming during this COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois Pyramid Model State Leadership Team, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development has developed an Emotional Well-being Toolkit: Resources for Children, Families, & Caregivers to help manage stressors and promote wellness during these challenging times.

Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information And Resources

Mental Health America has compiled a range of resources and information for parents, caregivers, domestic violence survivors and more.

COVID-19 Information in ASL

The CDC provides a series of YouTube videos with information in American Sign Language.

Navigating Financial Health During Difficult Times

The National Disability Institute (NDI)’s Financial Resilience Center provides resources and assistance to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions navigate financially through difficult times, like the COVID-19 crisis. The website features videos and resources on topics including employment and unemployment, public benefits, housing, managing money and Social Security benefits.

NDI’s Financial Resilience Center also includes:

Northwest Special Recreation Association’s Online Activity Center

The Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) launched the NWSRA Activity Center to ensure that families have access to free activities, games and other online resources that will enable participants to lead healthy, active lives. The center includes activities, resources, videos and games as well as a program guide for weekly Zoom programs.

COVID-19 & Me Children’s Activity Book

An activity book from Hoyleton Youth & Family Services to help children discuss their emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity book is available in English and Spanish.

OSF HealthCare COVID-19 Nurse Hotline and Information

OSF HealthCare has a COVID-19 Nurse Hotline, available 24-7, at (833) OSF-KNOW (833-673-5669). More guidance and screening information is available at https://www.osfhealthcare.org/covid19/.

Tips on Face Masking for Children During COVID-19

The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics developed this infographic based on information for children and parents on masking. Governor Pritzker announced that Illinois residents will be required to wear masks/face coverings in public spaces beginning May 1, 2020. This infographic answers questions for patients and families on children wearing masks during the pandemic.

“A Simple Approach to Help Your Child With IEP Goals While Sheltering at Home”

Children’s Specialized Hospital developed this resource to help parents support their child’s IEP goals without feeling unnecessarily burdened. It is available in English and Spanish.

English fact sheet

Spanish fact sheet

Wi-Fi Hotspot Map to Support Illinois Students During COVID-19 Pandemic

Illinois state agencies released a Wi-Fi hotspot map to help students across the state who lack internet access in their homes. The map provides detailed information on free drive-up Wi-Fi hotspots at schools, colleges, libraries and other locations across the state.

The tool also provides detailed guest log-in instructions for each hotspot and will be updated in real-time. It is available in both English and Spanish.