Parents Corner

Essential Workers

If you currently working in a field deemed “Essential” by the City of Philadelphia and need childcare, Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 18 may be able to help with your childcare needs.  For more information, call 215-382-4762 or visit the online childcare tool.

Reminders
  • Continue to contact ELRC Region 18 for any questions or concerns regarding your case
  • New Applications and Redeterminations are still being processed; continue to submit your documents electronically or via drop-off
Submitting Documents
  • Please utilize COMPASS to submit your redetermination or new application by visiting:
    www.compass.state.pa.us
  • Supporting documents can be sent via fax at 215-382-1199 or via email: eligibility@caringpeoplealliance.org
  • You can also use COMPASS to apply for cash assistance, food stamps (SNAP) benefits, medical and more!
If you have a case that is currently active at this time your case will remain eligible.

Printable ELRC Client Forms

Please click on the ELRC client form to print.  Completed forms can be sent via email (eligibility@caringpeoplealliance.org), fax (215-382-4762) or mail (ELRC Region 18, 2361-2373 Welsh Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114).

Printable worksheets for children

Fun Indoor Activities for Kids

Summer Fun for Families and Children New

Family Fun Challenge!

⇒ Bake a cake                         ⇒ Make a scrapbook

⇒ Dance party                         ⇒ Play card games

⇒ Family Game Night             ⇒ Put on a puppet show

⇒ Family Movie Night             ⇒ Take a family stroll

⇒ Indoor bowling                    ⇒ Indoor picnic

Find free, nutritious food during COVID-19

Many Philadelphians are in need of free food due to school closures, loss of income, or other challenges caused by COVID-19.  In response to this need, City of Philadelphia and partners have developed two ways for residents to find free food: Food sites and student meal sites where any child can pick up free meals.  Click here for the latest locations and schedules.

Breastfeeding Support during COVID-19

Breastfeeding Support available 24/7 through Pacify

Caring for Your Mental Health

If you’re experiencing anxious thoughts or overwhelming sadness right now, you’re like many other people. Challenging times have forced many of us to recognize that we need to take care of our mental and emotional health.  Free help is available through public resources.

Career opportunities during COVID-19

Individuals looking to access open job opportunities can visit the PA CareerLink Philadelphia website for more information.

Census 2020: Your response matters!

School lunches. Plans for highways. Support for firefighters and families in need. Census results affect your community every day.  Complete your survey online.

Community Resources for Families in the Philadelphia Area

For 50 years, First Up has championed high quality early care and education for children from birth to age 8 in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  For information on their community resources during the COVID-19 visit their website.

Cora’s Family Resource Line

A private, not-for-profit service organization located in Philadelphia, PA, CORA Services provides an array of comprehensive professional services focused on prevention, intervention, remediation and referral assistance.  Their family resource line offers academic support, parent consultation, community resources and help with early childhood development.  Visit their website for more information.

COVID-19 Resource Guide for Women

This pandemic has deepened the many ways the gender gap impacts women socially and economically—particularly women of color.  Here are a few resources to help you and your family that you are encouraged to share.

Encouraging your child to wear a mask New

Tips for parents and caregivers

Essential City services remain open

All non-essential City of Philadelphia government operations have been halted and all City government buildings will be closed to the public.  Click here to view the list of essential City services that are still in operation and how to contact them.

Exercising at Public Parks & Rec Sites

To help end the pandemic, you should stay home as much as possible. But exercise is also important! A walk, bike ride, or run can do wonders for your mental and physical health. If you decide to exercise in one of Philadelphia’s parks, here are some tips to stay healthy–and protect others too.

Financial relief: Apply for federal and state benefits

The Pennsylvania Department Human Services recently reported that applications for state-issued benefits have not increased above pre-pandemic levels. For residents who have experienced job loss or pay cuts in the wake of COVID-19, these programs can provide much-needed help to get through this difficult time.  Click here for more information.

Free COVID-19 test site near you

The City of Philadelphia has launched a new testing site finder to help people locate COVID-19 testing sites. The finder is available in six languages, and the map will be updated regularly as new testing sites change. Testing sites are operated by many different organizations, including hospitals, urgent care clinics and pharmacies, as well as the City of Philadelphia.  Click here for more information.

Free financial counseling New

The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increases in expenses, decreases in income, shifting budgets, and personal financial uncertainty for many.  Philadelphia’s Financial Empowerment Centers (FECs) are available to help individuals and families navigate their finances. Counselors at the FECs are currently providing virtual, one-on-one financial counseling.  As always, this service is offered at no cost to you.

Free meals for seniors during COVID-19

The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging are working together to ensure that older adults have access to free and nutritious food in spite of the challenges caused by COVID-19. Free grab-and-go meals are available at locations throughout the city.  Click here for locations.

 Free pregnancy, baby, and toddler support during COVID-19

Click here for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s list of resources and free supplies available to you and your family during COVID-19.

Health and wellness tips for parents with young children during COVID-19

Mental health and wellness tips, including ideas for safe physical activities and movement can be found here.

Housing Help During COVID-19

COVID-19 coronavirus restrictions will leave many families with reduced or no income. As a result, paying for housing will become a challenge for some.  Click here to view available resources for Philadelphia renters and homeowners facing housing issues.

Outdoor dining in Philadelphia New

What you need to know during the yellow and green phases of reopening

Philadelphia Parks & Rec’s summer day camps return New

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s high-quality summer camps will return on July 6.  But due to COVID-19, camps will operate in a different way this year.  Parks & Rec has created a plan to keep campers and staff safe.

Philadelphia Summer 2020 update New

Find information on camps, free meals, and keeping kids busy and safe

Resources for Impacted Workers

If you are employed in Pennsylvania and are unable to work because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation benefits. The Department of Labor & Industry will continue to provide important employment benefit updates as the situation evolves on their website.

Staying connected during COVID-19

The City recognizes that having access to the internet is critical for families and individuals during this time of crisis. While practicing social distancing and dealing with the closures of many businesses and social services, internet access will help families and individuals do a wide range of activities, from schoolwork to job searching to paying bills.  Through the Office of Innovation and Technology, the City is working to make sure everyone can remain connected and that those without Internet access can get it.  Here are some of the most important updates on low-cost internet and Wi-Fi access that have been made available.

Summer 2020 update: camps, free meals, and keeping kids busy and safe New

COVID-19 has caused disruptions to normal life as we know it across the city, and summer activities are no exception. Things will look different for summer 2020, but there will still be plenty of ways to keep kids and families busy, engaged, safe, and healthy.  For more information click here.

Summer jobs for Youth and Young Adults New

WorkReady provides paid summer jobs and work experience for Philadelphia youth 12-24 years old.  This year, WorkReady is offering a paid digital experience to thousands of youth, with a focus on recruiting youth in the juvenile-justice system and Operation Pinpoint areas.

Summer in Philadelphia New

Reopening Resources for Greater Philadelphia with Updates and recommendations on how to responsibly enjoy Philadelphia and the Countryside.

United Way of PA & COVID-19

The United Way of Pennsylvania has compiled resources related to COVID-19.

Utilities Relief New

  • LIHEAP
    • With Mayor Kenney’s support, Governor Wolf announced that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding will be made available to help residents with their electricity costs.
  • PECO
    • Customers who are challenged to pay their energy bill should contact PECO customer care as soon as possible at 1-800-494-4000. PECO will work closely with customers to waive late payment fees, avoid having their service shut off, discuss reconnections, and determine eligibility for assistance programs.
  • Philadelphia Water Department
    • In a continued effort to provide support during the COVID-19 health emergency, The City of Philadelphia extended its water shutoff protection measure. Both residential and commercial water customers won’t face shutoffs for non-payment of bills until July 10.
    • The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and the Water Revenue Bureau have also suspended all penalties and late fees for unpaid water bills until further notice.
  • PGW
    • PGW is suspending non-payment terminations and waiving new late payment charges. This termination freeze will remain in place until further notice. Customers are encouraged to make arrangements to stay current on their bill during the freeze to prevent termination once the moratorium is removed. Learn more about PGW assistance programs.

Working Papers for students

Due to COVID-19, The School District of Philadelphia will be issuing Working Papers at the 440 Education Center through APPOINTMENT ONLY on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm through a safe and secure process that follows COVID-19 restrictions.  Click here for more information.

Main ELRC Menu
Due to COVID-19:
The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 18 will be closed to the public until further notice.
ELRC Region 18 will continue to work with State and local government as well as community resources to provide services to parents and providers remotely.
Parents and Providers can drop off information Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for processing at the following locations:
Northeast Philadelphia: 2361-2373 Welsh Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114.
West Philadelphia: 5548 Chestnut Street, Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19139.
Check the COVID-19 Newsletter for the latest updates.
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