St. Clair Resources
FAQ About Live Video Visits for Families of Children Receiving Early Intervention During COVID-19
Because of COVID-19, the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) program is offering to provide EI through live video visits (also known as teletherapy or telehealth). This document provides some frequently asked questions and answers for families who are considering live video visits for EI.
Resources on Racism, Racial Equity and Diversity for Families
The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development put together these resources about race, racism, diversity and inclusion that may support you, your children, your family and your community.
Cloth Face Coverings for Children During COVID-19
HealthyChildren.org’s “Cloth Face Coverings for Children During COVID-19” provides answers to some frequently asked questions about cloth face coverings and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Helping Young Children With Disabilities During a Trying Time: Adding Structure and Routine
The Illinois Early Learning Projects provides a simple step-by-step plan to help parents and caregivers develop structure and routine for young children with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
Help Illinois Families Emergency Relief Initiative
Help Illinois Families expands on the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Program (CSBG). New eligibility thresholds make Help Illinois Families available to more individuals and families. If you meet the income requirements and submit your application, you may be eligible for emergency assistance to cover the costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities.
LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services. This includes assistance with heating, gas, propane and electricity. The last day to apply online with the Request for Services form is April 15. After that date, you can still apply through your local administering agency through May 31 2022.
CSBG offers Illinoisans an opportunity to receive support for an array of essential services including rent assistance, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more. CSBG applications are avaialble year-round.
This initiative remains available for all qualifying households with low income, regardless of how they may be affected by COVID-19. Eligible families may qualify for hundreds of dollars of support.
Camp Kinda is an exploratory learning experience designed to keep kids ages 3 to 13 engaged curious, and having fun — even if they’re stuck at home. It’s like summer camp (kinda).
Families can sign up for access through May 2022 for $25 per family. The subscription includes access to the entire catalog of Camp Kinda and Camp Kinda, Jr. adventures—more than 350 hours of activities, Fee waivers are available for families facing financial hardship.
COVID-19: Where to Get Help for Illinois Families
Information for Illinois families on how to find assistance with meals, childcare, unemployment, housing, learning and instruction, healthcare and immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please visit the IDHS Information and Resource During the COVID-19 Crisis website for more details.
“How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Kids with Special Healthcare Needs” Podcast
On this podcast from RadioMD, which features experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a pediatrician who focuses on children with special healthcare needs discusses ideas for how families can cope with the pandemic, especially when the supports provided by schools are unavailable.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides tips to help children with language disorders make social connections while sheltering in place.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association explains how to use everyday activities around the house to help develop young children’s communication skills.