Moylan Highlights Child Care Assistance amid COVID-19 Crisis

DES PLAINES, Ill. – State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is highlighting an expansion of eligibility for child care assistance for essential workers’ child care needs. 

“Throughout the workplace closings, stay home order and other protective measures enacted because of the COVID-19 public health crisis, many continue to work so that basic essential community functions can continue,” Moylan said. “They are sacrificing a great deal and many are risking their own health. It is critical that we provide them with the assistance they deserve so they can continue that work. With schools closed across the state, child care is difficult to find without help in these times, which is why this help will be of great benefit.”

All workers who are deemed essential now qualify for child care services from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). To secure these services, residents can visit https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx. A helpline has also been established to connect Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies to the families of essential workers for emergency child care at 888-228-1146. Illinois Action for Children has launched a text message service for families in Cook County to answer questions concerning the Child Care Assistance Program at 312-736-7390. Priority will be given to first responders, health care workers and essential workers. 

“Many families are struggling adjusting to the protective orders in place, especially families with young children,” Moylan said. “We have an obligation to protect the public against this pandemic, but we also need to acknowledge the repercussions of the protective measures and help our essential workers as much as possible.”

Residents with concerns about COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV. To stay up to date with all new information about COVID-19, visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.