Children and Families

Updates

(6/2/20) The Baker-Polito Administration issued detailed guidance for the reopening of programs that serve children and youth. Learn More.

Childcare Information

Emergency programs are being made available to those on a limited basis who have no other option for care during this public health crisis. Priority will be given to people including but not limited to health care workers, essential state and human service workers, COVID-19 health workers, grocery store employees, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, transportation and infrastructure workers, sanitation workers, DCF involved families, and families living in shelters. For more information, and to view a list of Emergency Childcare Programs in Cambridge, visit Find It Cambridge.

For Providers

The Birth to 3rd Grade Partnership, a program of the Department of Human Services and Cambridge Public Schools, is providing resources to support early education and care (EEC) providers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Resources, including newsletters and upcoming trainings, are available on the Birth to 3rd Grade Partnership webpage. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Lei-Anne Ellis at lellis@cpsd.us

Resources

• EEC providers are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The loan must be submitted using the streamline application form. For more information, visit the COVID-19 Business Resources webpage.
• ECC providers are eligible to apply for a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. PPP loans are made by banks; to find a bank that will make a PPP loan, click here and type in your zip code. Banks making PPP loans may differ in the documentation they require.
  • For assistance applying for the EIDL and/or PPL loans, contact Lei-Anne Ellis at lellis@cpsd.us and put “help” in the subject line of the email.
• EEC has partnered with Care.com to create a portal connecting essential workers to approved educators who are able to provide skills in-home care.
• For upcoming trainings and professional development opportunities, visit the Birth to 3rd Grade Partnership webpage.

For Families

At-Home Activities

• Find It Cambridge is regularly updating its “Virtual Activities at Home” category with online and at-home activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
• The Birth to Third Partnership provides information about activities that support learning and child development.