COVID-19 and Early Childhood

To help our partners navigate information about coronavirus (COVID-19) and Michigan’s recovery, ECIC compiled a variety of resources, from the government and the private and nonprofit sectors, for families with young children and for organizations that serve young children and families. 

Bookmark this page to check back regularly and follow us on Facebook to learn the latest. And please send us your questions or suggestions for resources and content that we can share.

This page is updated regularly

Critical COVID-19 Resources

  • Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Email COVID19@michigan.gov 24/7. Emails will be answered 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Subscribe to e-newsletter updates at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus

Resources for Child Care Providers

New MDHHS Epidemic Order

This order is an extension of the previous order, with one important change for child care providers. The mask mandate is being expanded to include children ages 2-5, beginning Monday April 26. Here’s what that means:

  • The general mask mandate now applies to children ages 2 and up (instead of ages 5 and up). That means that younger children will be expected to wear masks in public places.
  • The order also updates mask rules for child care providers and camps. Now, child care providers and camps must not allow gatherings unless:
    • A good faith effort is made to ensure children age 2-4 wear a mask when participating in gatherings.
    • Children age 5 and up wear a mask when participating in gatherings.
    • As a reminder, a gathering is defined as “any occurrence, either indoor or outdoor, where two or more persons from more than one household are present in a shared space.” Previous orders clarified mask use in different spaces because the masking requirements varied on age and environment. This gathering definition includes all of the areas that were previously referenced (e.g. homes, classrooms, transportation, hallways.)
    • Staff are still required to wear masks.

The order generally went into effect on Monday, April 19th. However, the new masking rules for children ages 2-4 do not go into effect until Monday, April 26.

Below are additional resources to help with young kids with mask wearing:

Vaccine Distribution Plan

  • Child care professionals can schedule their own appointment. Here’s how:  
    • Check the website of your local health departmentor hospital for sign-ups or registration forms.
    • Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., or call 2-1-1. Multiple languages available.
    • Check additional vaccination sites, such as local pharmacies like Meijer, Rite Aid, Kroger, Walmart(Mid/Central and Northern MI) or Snyder Drugs (U.P. residents)

Guidance for Operating Safely

 

Social-Emotional/Mental Health Resources

PPE, Health and Safety

Printable resources to use with children, parents, and staff have been compiled for your use:

Loans and Grants

Resources for Families and Parents

Food and Financial Resources

  • Bridge Magazine has compiled a growing list of where Michigan families can get food, cash, and internet access during the crisis.
  • Parents or family members in the essential workforce who need child care: please go complete a simple form with your child care needs or call 2-1-1
  • The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has developed an online map for families to find meals. View the map.
  • Guidance for households who receive Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), including an expanded list of WIC food items. 

Activities for Young Children

Social-Emotional/Mental Health Resources

Health and Safety

Local and Regional Partner Resources