Bristow Highlights Childcare Coverage for Essential Workers

ALTON, Ill. – To ensure essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic have access to childcare, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, is highlighting child care benefits available for essential workers in need provided through the Illinois Department of Human Services.

“As essential workers head into work every day, they are risking their health and safety to provide vital services to keep our communities running,” said Bristow. “Providing childcare to these individuals will at least take one concern off their mind as they continue to work through a public health crisis to help their communities.”

Essential workers include those working in health care, human services, essential infrastructure and retailers, or government services like law enforcement. Those with questions about their eligibility should contact their local Child Care Resources and Referral Agency, which can be found at https://www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch. To apply for benefits, workers can find more information and fill out an application at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx.

“Our essential workers are on the frontlines of tackling this pandemic, protecting our communities, keeping our grocery and pharmacies open for others, and making sure our daily operations are still functioning,” said Bristow. “I am in constant communication with our state agencies and local officials about ways that we work together to help find ways to ease the burden placed on individuals deemed essential workers in this increasingly difficult time for all.”

To find the most recent information about resources and information regarding COVID-19 in Illinois, visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931.