Coronavirus Information
for Palm Beach County PARENTS & FAMILIES

Important Updates:

• You may be wondering why some preschool programs are open and some are closed. Each early learning preschool or child care center can make the individual decision to stay open or temporarily close. Until the State or County make any other determinations, they can continue to provide care.

• If you find that you are having a hard time finding child care, we are here to help. If you have questions about child care options, please call our Family Resource Line: 561.514.3300.

• It is important to know for all re-determinations and child care applications--we can help you online and over the phone. You do not have come in to our office for assistance; we can offer the same great services via phone or online appointments. If you are unable to meet via phone or online, we are here to help you. Please call our Family Resource Line 561.514.3300 to make an appointment.

Serving First Responder & Health Care Workers:

• If you are a first responder or health care worker and are currently receiving the child care scholarship and would like to re-apply, click here for the application. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Questions

The Florida Department of Health has opened a 24-hour hotline and email account for all coronavirus questions:

• 1 (866) 779-6121

• COVID-19@flhealth.gov

We will ongoingly update the below list of local resources that Palm Beach County families may find helpful in these uncertain times.

Local Resources

• Palm Beach Couny Health Department (PBC-DOH) Coronavirus Informational Page
• Resources and info at pbcgov.org or call PBC's emergency hotline at 561-712-6400
• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) ACCESS Florida Informational Page
• School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) Coronavirus Informational Page
• Prime Time Palm Beach County updates, including open afterschool sites
• Healthy Mother’s Healthy Babies emergency pantry for infants
• Comcast | Offering Free Internet for Two Months to Specific Customers

State and Federal Resources

• CDC COVID-19 website
• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 webpage
• Florida's COVID-19 Case Dashboard
• CDC guidance on pregnant women and COVID-19
• CDC guidance on COVID-19 and kids
• CDC | Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus in Homes and Residential Communities
• Child Care Aware of America (CCAA) Coronavirus News & Resources
• PIE | Rapid Response Resources - Coronavirus
• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) | COVID-19 Resources

How to talk to children about Coronavirus

Conscious Discipline Here are some all-new resources for caregivers to use as they help children understand and cope with the many changes they are experiencing due to the Coronavirus.   "Masks & Gloves" Social Story "Safekeeper" Social Story "Positive Attention" Resources

Children May Be Afraid of Masks. Here’s How to Help. If your child is scared of wearing a mask, parents should wear masks too so your child doesn’t feel alone.   Some other ideas to help make masks seem less scary are included within the very timely and helpful New York Times article at the link here.

• PBS.org: How To Talk To Children About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• NPR | Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
• Child Mind Institute | Talking To Kids About the Coronavirus
• CDC Guidance | Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
• CDC Guidance | Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
• CDC Guidance | Children in a Disaster (Tools & Resources)
• Zero to Three | Tips for Families (Coronavirus)
• Zero to Three | Tips for Talking to Children (Why Are People Wearing Masks/Covering Their Faces?)
• NASP | Talking to Children About Coronavirus - A Parent Resource
• SAMHSA | Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, & Teachers
• Understood | Talking With Children About Coronavirus
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network | Guide to Helping Families Cope with Coronavirus
• American Academy of Pediatrics | Responding to Children's Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis
• National Assoc. of School Psychologists | Talking to Children about Coronavirus - A Parent Resource
• Florida Department of Education | Listen Up! We Have To Talk About Germs!

Family Resources

• Psychology Today | Parenting During COVID-19
• EdNavigator | How should parents prepare for Coronavirus, school closures & getting anything done?
• Yale School of Medicine | Kids and COVID-19: What Parents Should Know
• New York Times | Eight Questions Parents May Have About Coronavirus (March 9)
• New York Times | How to Self-Quarantine (March 6)

We are here to be a supportive resource during this time. Please feel free to contact us.