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

Online Learning for Children

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.

Accessing Computers and Digital Resources During COVID-19

Various organizations and companies are offering helpful resources during the Covid-19 crisis.  Click here for more information.

Articles – Children & COVID-19

Breastfeeding Support during COVID-19

Breastfeeding Support available 24/7 through Pacify

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 New

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.

Digital learning for Philadelphia children

Philadelphia schools are transitioning to digital learning.  Click here for important dates and learning guides for public, mastery and charter schools.

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 New

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.

Internet Access Options for Philadelphia School District Students New

The School District of Philadelphia understands how critical access to the Internet is for our students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The District is committed to finding ways to support the educational needs of our students while promoting social distancing habits for the safety of our students, families, teachers and staff, and the greater Philadelphia community.  Click here for a list of free or low-cost Internet and WiFi access options that are currently available.

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.

Getting around with public transportation

SEPTA is operating on a “Lifeline Service Schedule” providing limited service on a modified schedule.  The latest modes and schedules can be found here.  An interactive map of SEPTA service and nearby essential businesses and hospitals can be found here.

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.

Homeless services during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak New

Homeless services in Philadelphia are essential. As a result, shelter, outreach, intake, and other services have continued uninterrupted during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Please click here for more information for services provided by the City of Philadelphia.

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.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month New

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.  Now more than ever, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to take care of each other.  Visit the #mindPHL site for resources and assistance.

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.

United Way of PA & COVID-19 New

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

Utilities Relief

  • PECO is suspending fees for delays in bills and service shut-offs for three months, effective March 13, 2020 through at least May 1, 2020.
  • Philadelphia Gas Works is suspending non-payment terminations and will waive new late payment charges. This termination moratorium will remain in place until further notice.
  • Philadelphia Water Department is also suspending non-payment terminations and plans to waive new late payment charges. This termination moratorium will remain in place until further notice. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers.
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