Childcare, Learning and Education Tools Resources
IDPH & ISBE Joint Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Schools
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) have fully adopted CDC guidelines and have provided guidance for the school year in a joint summary Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning and related CDC FAQ.
Site information also includes school and youth data metrics, a decision tree and post-vaccination considerations for school employees.
Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side developed this goal tracking form for families to use during times of learning away from the physical classroom, such as e-learning. It aims to help parents keep track of your child’s progress so that you can report back to your IEP/IFSP team. This form is for personal use, it does not replace legal advice in any way. You can also see a sample of how the form can be completed.
Illinois Computer Equity Network
Illinois has launched a statewide network that will receive, refurbish and redistribute used computers to those in need.
This initiative responds to the 1.1 million Illinois households currently without computers and aims to bridge the digital divide for those without internet access to help improve connectivity essential for remote learning, work from home, telemedicine, and other requirements of everyday life.
The project is a partnership of the state of Illinois, PCs for People and various community partners.
To be eligible, residents must be below 200 percent of the poverty level or enrolled in income-based government assistance programs, such as free or reduced school lunch, Medicaid or SNAP.
Individuals can register for upcoming distribution events in their area to receive a computer, internet or both.
Visit www.pcsforpeople.org/illinois/ or call (618) 215-3787 for more information.
Illinois Early Learning Project’s COVID-19 Resources
The Illinois Early Learning Project provides resources, strategies and activities to keep young children learning at home and at school during the COVID-19 situation.
Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization that partners with the state’s 16 local Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. It is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high-quality, affordable early care and education and school-age care options available for children and families in Illinois.
CCR&R’s connect and coordinate programs and services for young children and their families. CCR&R’s manage the application and information for families to receive child care assistance, allowing them to work and/or go to school while their children have access to quality early care and education.
Visit www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch to find your local CCR&R.
Illinois State Board of Education
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.
Illinois State Board of Education’s COVID-19 Updates and Resources
ISBE is working in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure they are providing the most current resources and guidance to support Illinois education communities regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Illinois State Museum Online Resources
A variety of online resources designed for K-12 teachers that span the curriculum.
Illinois State Museum Story of Illinois
This website has objects from the Museum’s collection along with other Museum’s collection around the state. Each object has a photo and a detailed description.
The museum’s Home Zone features online videos to help turn your home into a virtual children’s museum, with fun and age-appropriate learning activities that you can do with your family while you are weathering the outbreak at home together.