COVID-19

Providing Updates and Resources for Wisconsin Child Care Providers, Children and Families

CONTACT INFO:

Regarding Licensing and State Policies:
DCFMBCOVID19@wisconsin.gov

To submit a resource to share:
weca@wisconsinearlychildhood.org

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Below is a list of resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic specific to Wisconsin’s early care and education workforce.   This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

WECA remains committed to supporting young Wisconsin children and the professionals who care for and educate them.

Last Updated: Monday, June 22, 2020

Reopening During COVID-19 Guidance Document
Reapertura u operación durante la guía COVID-19
Apply Today: COVID-19 Emergency Payment Program

Important Websites

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Where to get tested for COVID-19

What is COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

COVID-19 Pandemic from The World Health Organization (WHO)

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) COVID-19: Schools and Child Care Webpage

Wisconsin Department for Children and Families (DCF): COVID-19 Child Care Resources

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Executive Orders

Financial Resources

Congress has passed a new $892 billion COVID Relief Package. Breaking through the red tape of federal relief packages by yourself can be daunting. We are sifting through as much of the legal language as possible and highlighting relevant information below. The one thing that has been constant in doing this work is change. Knowing this, we commit to updating this information as it evolves. Most importantly, we highly suggest you reach out to your bank, the Small Business Development Center, or the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation to help get your documents prepared for anything you wish to apply for. It is critical that you supply everything required the first time, otherwise your application could be denied or put to the back of the line. Since funds are available on a first come, first serve basis, it is critical to make sure you have checked every box. 

Each section below breaks down different funding currently available and is defined in much greater detail when you click on the hyperlink. 

Economic Recovery Rebates
Advanced tax rebates of $600 will be available to all Americans with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($112,500 for head of household) and $1,200 for married couples with adjusted gross income up to $150,000 who file a joint return. Amounts increase by $600 for every child. Clink link above for greater detail. 

Payroll Protection Program 
This is a payroll-focused program that offers low-interest loans to for profit, nonprofit, self employed, and contract workers to pay staff and cover operating costs. These loans may be eligible for debt forgiveness. Click above for all the details. 

Additional Information and Financial Counseling
If you need additional help navigating which relief packages might be best for you, there are a number of national and local organizations available to help you for free. Click the link above to find the help that meets your needs best. 

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers (over 50 employees) to provide their employees with expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for exemption from the requirement to provide leave due to school closings or child care unavailability if the leave requirements would jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern.

U.S. Chamber Foundation: Save Small Business Fund  Grant applications open Monday, April 20th

Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information from Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development

Managing Your Personal Finances in Tough Times UW Division of Extension

COVID-19 Information and Resources from 211 Wisconsin

Coronavirus Grant Request from No Kid Hungry

  1. No Kid Hungry is offering real time funding and assistance for early child care providers that are making sure kids have access to the meals they need as schools close due to COVID-19.
  2. No Kid Hungry is providing emergency grants to support these local efforts like home delivered meals, grab and go meals, school and community pantries, backpack programs, and others to help reach children and families who lose access to meals. We’re providing $1 million in emergency grants on a rolling basis. This is the first phase of an ongoing multi-million dollar response. 

COVID-19 Nonprofit Emergency Capacity Building Grant Fund

Forward Community Investments (FCI) has committed an initial $50,000 in partnership with Associated Bank to support small nonprofits that have changed their operational model or services due to COVID‐19. This need‐based, micro‐grant program will provide immediate financial support ($2,500 per grant) for capacity building expenses such as:

  • Health and safety supplies for organizations facing newly fluctuating demand.
  • Computer purchases enabling remote work by nonprofit employees.
  • Software and other technology investments supporting distance learning or other remote service delivery model.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a 501c3 organization or a project sponsored by another 501c3, located in Wisconsin serving rural communities, serving people of color, low to moderate-income individuals, or other marginalized groups.
  • Have less than 10 FTE’s and an annual budget of less than $500,000.
  • Work towards reducing racial and economic disparities.
  • Have an unexpected expense related to COVID-19.
  • For more info: https://www.forwardci.org/nonprofit-emergency-capacity-grant

 

Child Care Operations During COVID-19

Dane County Quick COVID Guide by Reach Dane

This document is designed to help sort through local, state and general information regarding early childhood program Covid-19 related policy and procedure.   

The first pages (p. 2-5) describe exactly what is required by law within your program (as of 10/8/20).   

The remainder focuses on links to primary sources of information for writing and updating your policies and procedures, along with sample policies and forms.   

UW Law School Summer Project Collaboration

Announcing a special opportunity to connect with University of Wisconsin-Madison law students seeking to complete their pro bono hours to philantropic, community, and nonprofit organizations. Students are available to provide volunteer, part-time pro bono help over the summer. The work will capitalize on law students’ legal research and writing skills and focus on regulatory, policy, and programming projects specific to the organization. The amount and nature of work can be flexible depending on your organization’s needs. Examples include development of policies and procedures, navigating state and federal regulations related to relief funds, assistance with employment practices, etc.

Reopening During COVID-19 Guidance

Family Day Care Home Sponsors: COVID-19 Questions and Answers from Wisconsin Community Nutrition

Considerations for Child Care Providers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak (PDF download)

Preparing Child Care Programs for a Viral Outbreak (PDF download)

Considerations for a Child Care Program Infectious Disease Response Plan (Word Doc download)

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin: Emergency Internet Resources for Wisconsin Residents During Public Health Emergency

DCF Order 16: Frequently asked questions for child care providers regarding “Safer at Home”

Summary Notes from March 26th Conference Call with Gov. Evers and DCF.

Audio File from March 26th Conference Call with Gov. Evers and DCF

New: Release and Waiver of Liability

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that older adults and those who have or have members in their household with compromised immune systems, respiratory problems, hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, chronic kidney disease, or cancer are at greater risk for more serious complications associated with COVID-19. Providers can use this waiver provided.

Order 11: Considerations for launching an emergency child care location

Emergency Child Care Plan created by WECA and Abbi  Kruse, Executive Director at The Playing Field 

Emergency Child Care Plan – A dynamic and robust implementation plan that includes guidance for programs that elect to continue operating, to understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within their facilities and among their staff, how to react quickly should a case be identified, and to help administrators plan for the continuity of caring for children. The plan also includes recommendations for emergency child care best practices, how to enroll children in this care, as well as the necessary supports for child care programs providing this service to families of critical workers.

From Minnesota Association of Child Care Professionals  Support Family Child Care During Pandemic | Support FCC During Pandemic – Spanish

FREE Access to Wisconsin Shared Education Resources (WISER) platform.

Sample Letters and Documents:

 

 


















			

				
				
				
Child Care Business Webinars Related to COVID-19

				
Reopening and Operating in Times of COVID-19 Part 2: Safety and Operational Considerations


Reopening and Operating in Times of COVID-19 Part 1: Foundational Considerations


Enterprise: How Communities Can Use CDBG Funds to Address Covid-19


NAEYC: Talking to and Supporting Children and Ourselves During the Pandemic May 7th, 2020






COVID-19: Tips to Navigate Federal Relief Options for Family Child Care Providers (April 23, 2020)







Committee for Economic Development



NAEYC: Paying Yourself, Your Staff, and Your Bills | Slides


Child Care Aware of America 2020 Virtual Symposium: Monday, May 4, 2020


Child Care Aware of America: States’ Response to COVID-19 and Child Care Part 1
 States’ Response to COVID-19 and Child Care – Part 2


Child Care Aware of America: COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Updates and Business Resources for Early Childhood Programs Recorded: April 2, 2020
 Download Slides


Tom Copeland/NAFCC: Dealing with the Financial Side of the Coronavirus Recorded: March 23, 2020


Tom Copeland/NAFCC: New Laws Offer Financial Resources to Family Child Care Providers Recorded: April 6, 2020
 Download Slides


U.S. Champber: Federal Resources for Early Childhood Education Recorded: April 6, 2020


Child Care Aware of America: Emergency Child Care Systems: A Look from on the Ground Recorded: April 6, 2020

			

				
				
				
Online Professional Development and Trainings

				
Free Virtual Dialogues for Educators
 These will be an opportunity to come together with other early childhood educators to acknowledge the challenges we are all facing, share ideas, and build new thinking together for ways we can adapt and respond to the educational landscape in the midst of social distancing. Pedagogical leaders and Teacher Educators from Boulder Journey School and the Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program will act as facilitators. Upcoming dialogues and previously recorded sessions


Trainings provided by WECA:



Questions regarding the above trainings, email weca@wisconsinearlychildhood.org


Other local, State, and National Trainings available:



The Registry provides continuing education hours for online training as well as in-person training and anyone with a free Registry account can track their training.  When attending an online training or webinar, remember to obtain a certificate of completion. The certificate must include the training topic, date of completion, and the number of hours completed. You will have to save a copy and submit it to the Registry at your next membership application or renewal.  You will receive general continuing education hours when your application is processed.”  If a certificate is not provided, Child Care Licensing allows up to 5 hours of continuing education for documented independent reading and watching of educational materials. Please use THIS FORM to submit trainings that did not have a certificate.


 


 

			

				
				
				
Higher Education COVD-19 Resources 

				

			

				
				
				
Mental Health Resources

				
Coalition to Support Grieving Students: Providing Grief Support Over Time


Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction A Focus on Mental Health and Wellness During School Closures


Child Trends: Ways to Promote Children’s Resilience to the COVID-19 Pandemic


Healthy Minds Program app: FREE!
 


Healthy Minds Program on the Apple App Store


Healthy Minds Program on Google Play


The Healthy Minds Program is a free mindfulness app that teaches qualities beyond traditional mindfulness training. Our unique program strengthens the four qualities of a healthy mind – awareness, connection, insight, and purpose.


 


Dr. Richard Davidson: Social Connections when we are “Physically Distancing”


Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health: You Are Not Alone


National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mental Health Resources Available to Help with the COVID-19 Pandemic


Calm.com: Tools to use to take care of our minds and stay grounded


Yoga with Adriene YouTube Channel


Untangle


Untangle, is the podcast from the 5-star app, Meditation Studio and Muse, the Brain Sensing Headband. Experts and ‘real people’ share stories about how mindfulness practices have changed their lives. Hear experiences from business leaders, psychologists, neuroscientists, nutritionists, authors, mindfulness teachers, storytellers and more. We cover everything from why it’s important to meditate to how self-compassion practices change us from the inside out to why meditation helps with anxiety in adults and kids.


The Minimalists Podcast




Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus discuss living a meaningful life with less. Recent episodes cover COVID-19.


The Dark Place


A shame-free space where people talk about their struggles, difficult past memories, and what it’s like to live with mental illness. Common topics include depression, anxiety, abuse, and trauma. No matter the story, it will be met with compassion.


Therapy for Black Girls


The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.


Made Visible


Made Visible is a podcast that gives a voice to people with invisible illnesses. This podcast aims to change the conversation around invisible illnesses, helping those who experience them —whether as patients, caregivers, or friends or family members — feel more seen and heard. COVID-19 episodes available.


The One You Feed


“This podcast saved my life”- Amy W Practical Wisdom for a Better LifeOpen minded discussions of habits, meditation, wisdom, depression, anxiety, happiness, psychology, philosophy, and motivation.





			

				
				
				
Covid-19 Recursos en Español 

				
Seminario web Gratuitio – Guía de Procedimientos en Tiempos de COVID-19:



Seminario web GRATUITO EN VIVO: Guía de Procedimientos en Tiempos de COVID-19


Carta de Exención de Responsabilidad


Manejo del estres y la ansiedad durante COVID.


Consejos para apoyar la transición de los infantes y los niños pequeños a medida que reabrimos


Reapertura u operación durante la guía COVID-19


Recursos para aprender matemáticas con los más pequeños: Ideas para hacer en familia durante y después del COVID-19


Tips para que las Familias Apoyen a Sus Hijos con Necesidades Especiales al usar Formatos Virtuales


Child Care Aware of America:



Los dias en que todo se detuvo


NAEYC: “Cómo pagarse a sí mismo, a su personal y sus deudas” | Diapositivas


Financiamiento para Ayuda de Emergencia 


Inter-Agency Standing Committee: Mi héroe eres tú ¡Cómo pueden los niños luchar contra la COVID-19!


Dual-language (Spanish/English) webinar on PPP/EIDL from the Hispanic Collaborative and MMAC


Enfrentar el COVID-19: recursos para padres


Cómo hablar con los niños sobre COVID-19


¿Porque no puedo ir a la escuela?


Cómo lavarse las manos para niños


Actualizaciones en vivo: Centro de recursos de coronavirus


Información que los professionales de educaión preescholar deben saber sobre COVID-19 Coronavirus


Mejora y Práctica de las Habilidades de Función Ejecutiva con Niños desde la Infancia Hasta la Adolescencia


Resources for Immigrants During the Coronavirus Pandemic

			

				
				
				
Frequently Asked Questions 

				
DCF Order 16: Frequently asked questions for child care providers regarding “Safer at Home” as of March 24, 2020

			

				
				
				
COVID-19 Resources for Kids

				
Children can be highly sensitive to change. They thrive on routine and in this uncertain time, it’s likely the routine you regularly follow has been altered. Additionally, children can sense when you are stressed and start to worry as well. Finally, children pick up things that they hear on the news, even if they can’t make sense of it all. Here are some resources to support your child while they are home with you. 


 


Inter-Agency Standing Committee: My Hero is You, Storybook for Children on COVID-19.


Audible: kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. Free while schools are closed 


Time Magazine for kids: free access to a library of four grade-specific digital editions of TIME for Kids 


Khan Academy Kids: Inspire a lifetime of learning and discovery with our free, fun educational program for children ages two to seven. Free while schools are closed 


PBS Learning Media 


NASA STEM for Kids 


Smithsonian Kids 


Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus 


Free Educational Apps, Games, and Websites 


Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home 


GoNoodle : Guided videos integrate movement and mindfulness into the day and are fun and interactive. From yoga flows to silly songs and dances, kids are sure to love this creative resource you can use in the classroom and at home. 


Doodling with Mo Willems: Mo Willems invites you into his studio every day for his lunch doodle at 1 p.m. ET. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. 


Shubert and Sophie Stay Home: Like other children around the world, Shubert and Sophie are currently staying home. They’re helping keep their community safe by sheltering in place with their family. Although it feels like a vacation at first, Shubert and Sophie (and mom and dad) gradually begin to feel grumpy. They miss friends, field trips and soccer games. In this free printable story, Sophie and Shubert learn to navigate their big feelings about COVID-19 with help from their parents. The story highlights useful strategies like deep breathing and practicing gratitude. As in other Shubert and Sophie stories, the siblings model Conscious Discipline for children, while their parents model Conscious Discipline for adults. Read this story with your children to share a moment of connection and enjoy another visit to Bug Valley, all while learning helpful skills along the way. 

			

				
				
				
COVID-19 Resources for Parents

				
Likely, most parents are experiencing some shock in their own change of routine as well. Whether you are still working at your place of employment, working remotely or are unable to work, things are probably not how they used to be. Additionally, with schools and many child care programs closed, your children are relying on you a lot. These resources will help you navigate this new situation with your children. Additionally, we’ve included some self care resources for you. Children pick up the stress of their parents and likely, this only makes your situation worse. Make a habit of doing some activities each day to lower your stress. 


Resources for New Parents During Pandemic from Online Counseling Programs


Childhood Violent Trauma Center at the Yale Child Study Center: Helping Children Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic


The National Child Traumatic Stress Network




 National Conference of State Legislatures: Human Services: COVID-19 Resources


At-Home Early Math Learning Kit for Families: Ideas for Supporting Young Children’s Math Skills During Coronavirus and Beyond


Rooted (formerly Community GroundWorks): Farm to ECE Resources for At-Home Activities


Florida Inclusion Network: 



Community of Practice on ASD/DD


From Wisconsin 4-H Division of Extension: Fun Hands-on Learning To Do At Home


ChildCare Aware of America: At-Home Brain-Building Tips for Families with Children Ages Birth to Five


An Open Letter to Parents From a National Teacher of the Year 


Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis 


Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis 


Ways to Promote Children’s Resilience to the COVID-19 Pandemic 


Supporting Children’s Mental Health: Signs to watch for  


Tips for Families: Coronavirus: The following resources offer tips for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing. 


Caring for Preschoolers at Home 


A parent’s guide to surviving COVID-19: 8 strategies to keep children healthy and happy 


How to Keep Kids Learning When They’re Stuck at Home 


Wide Open School: Wide Open School is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense. There is so much good happening, and we are here to gather great stuff and organize it so teachers and families can easily find it and plan each day. 


250+ Creative Ways to Keep Your Family Sane During the COVID-19 Crisis 


26 Things to Do at Home with Kids During the COVID-19 Outbreak 


Lakeshore Learning: 1,000 Free Resources for the classroom and home.


Creating Routines ad Rituals 


Creating a Daily Schedule 


Promise Venture Studios provides some great self-care activities:  



FREE resources for families during COVID19 


Resilient Wisconsin is a new statewide initiative designed to provide Wisconsinites with the tools to build resiliency. Find healthy ways to cope and stay connected with others in your community.  


Early Learning Nation: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving COVID-19: 8 Strategies to Keep Children Healthy and Happy 


EmbraceRace: COVID-19 resources for kids and families 


Harvard Graduate School of Education: Helping Children Cope with Coronavirus and Uncertainty 


National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource 


World Health Organization: Healthy Parenting Tips from WHO in 70 different languages 


America’s Voice Education Fund: Resources for Immigrants During the Coronavirus Pandemic 


Raising Children: The Australian Parenting Website Coronovirus family guide 


Activities Guide: Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence


A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development

			

				
				
				
COVID-19 Resources for Teachers

				
During this time when schools and many child care programs are closed, how can you stay connected to your students? If you are still caring for children, it’s likely under different circumstances. These resources will help you stay connected and remain supportive no matter what type of teacher you are right now. 


Childhood Violent Trauma Center at the Yale Child Study Center: Helping Children Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic


The National Child Traumatic Stress Network



Tips for Supporting Infants & Young Children’s Transition as we Re-open from Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health


Caring for Children of first responders – A video by Abbi Kruse from The Playing Field hosted by Conscious Discipline 


Virtual Learning Tools: From using video to project-based learning, get recommendations on the best tools for virtual learning 


Mystery Science: To help educators during this time of coronavirus, Mystery Science has pulled its most popular science lessons and is offering them for anyone to use for free. No account or login is needed. 


Wide Open School:  Wide Open School is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense. There is so much good happening, and we are here to gather great stuff and organize it so teachers and families can easily find it and plan each day. 


Shubert and Sophie Stay Home: Like other children around the world, Shubert and Sophie are currently staying home. They’re helping keep their community safe by sheltering in place with their family. Although it feels like a vacation at first, Shubert and Sophie (and mom and dad) gradually begin to feel grumpy. They miss friends, field trips and soccer games. In this free printable story, Sophie and Shubert learn to navigate their big feelings about COVID-19 with help from their parents. The story highlights useful strategies like deep breathing and practicing gratitude. As in other Shubert and Sophie stories, the siblings model Conscious Discipline for children, while their parents model Conscious Discipline for adults. Read this story with your children to share a moment of connection and enjoy another visit to Bug Valley, all while learning helpful skills along the way. 


Lakeshore Learning: 1,000 Free Resources for the classroom and home.


A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development