Pappas Promotes Child Care Assistance Programs for Essential Workers amid Outbreak

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is promoting child care assistance programs provided through the Illinois Department of Human Services to support essential workers and their families during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

“Essential workers who are putting their health and safety on the line in the fight against COVID-19 shouldn’t have to add worry about care for their children to their already highly stressful jobs,” said Pappas. “Our community’s essential workers must be able to access the resources they need to support their families during this incredible ordeal.”

If someone is deemed an essential worker during the COVID-19 outbreak and in need of child care, please contact:

• The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) at 888-228-1146 or visit their official website at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx
• Essential workers can find an emergency child care provider near them at this site: https://emergencycare.inccrra.org/
• The Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) for Cook County residents can be reached Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by texting 312-736-7390
• The National Parent Helpline Monday through Friday from noon to 9 a.m. at 1-855-2736

“These services will provide child care assistance for our community’s essential workers as they continue to work through this crisis,” Pappas said. “Essential workers have enough stress to deal with. Access to child care should not be one of their concerns.”

Residents can stay informed on developments with the COVID-19 pandemic by reviewing the State of Illinois website at www.coronavirus.illinois.gov. Pappas encourages residents who need help navigating these services to contact her district office at 224-520-8838 or RepDPappas@gmail.com.