COVID-19 resources and updates
Following guidance from state, county and local agencies, some Options for Learning sites are reopening for a limited number of children. To ensure the safety of the families we serve, our agency continues to review guidelines from our funding sources, mandates regarding safety protocols, and staffing resources to determine how best to proceed with the reopening of our centers.
We encourage families to contact our program offices directly for more information.
For free referrals for child care, please call 626-856-5900.
Stay up to date on Options for Learning news: Get the School News app
Download the School News app to make sure you receive notifications of the latest Options for Learning news. Instructions are available online.Frequently asked questions
Q: What happens to my child’s space when the centers reopen?
A: Once a program/center is ready to safely reopen, you will be contacted by our staff with instructions on when your child may begin care. If in doubt, please contact your program office.
Q: What if I decide to keep my child home during the pandemic?
A: Depending on the situation, we may be unable to hold the space for your child. We ask that you contact your program office for instructions.
A: Depending on the situation, we may be unable to hold the space for your child. We ask that you contact your program office for instructions.
Q: The Options for Learning center or subsidized program my child attended is closed, but I need to work. What are my choices?
A: We understand that many of our currently enrolled families are considered “essential services” personnel and child care is critical to maintaining employment. You may contact our Resource and Referral Department at 626-856-5900 or click here for assistance.
A: We understand that many of our currently enrolled families are considered “essential services” personnel and child care is critical to maintaining employment. You may contact our Resource and Referral Department at 626-856-5900 or click here for assistance.
Mental health resources
During uncertain times, it is normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed. L.A.County residents may call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health's 24/7 access line at 800-854-7771 for mental health support, resources, and referrals.
- Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7; confidential): 800-978-3600
- Domestic Violence Shelter 24-hour hotlines
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7; confidential): 800-799-7233 | 800-787-3224 (TTY) or text LOVEIS to 22522 (message and data rates may apply)
- Los Angeles County Child Abuse Hotline: 800-540-4000 | 800-272-6699 (TTY)
- Department of Children and Family Services COVID-19 updates
- Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office: Safeguarding Our Seniors and Elder Abuse Reporting Hotline: 877-477-3646
211 LA
211 LA is the central source for providing information and referrals for all health and human services in LA County. Resources include housing, food, transportation, mental health, legal services, and more. The 2-1-1 phone line is open 24 hours, seven days a week, with trained community resource advisors prepared to offer help with any situation at any time. If you are calling from outside Los Angeles County or cannot directly dial 2-1-1, call 800-339-6993.
Food resources
The County of Los Angeles has compiled this comprehensive guide to food resources, including food banks, student meal distribution sites, and other resources throughout the county. Those with disabilities may qualify for food delivery services; learn more.
CalFresh
CalFresh is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. Details and application available online. Apply online.
WIC
WIC services are available to all eligible families affected by COVID-19. If your income has been affected by recent events, and you are pregnant or have a child under 5, WIC can help provide nutritious foods and more resources to keep your growing family healthy. Start by completing the online application www.phfewic.org/apply or text APPLY to 91997. The new WIC card and app make it easy to access benefits electronically. For the safety of the public, WIC is serving families remotely by phone and online. WIC is safe to use and doe not affect immigration status for anyone currently in the U.S.
WIC services are available to all eligible families affected by COVID-19. If your income has been affected by recent events, and you are pregnant or have a child under 5, WIC can help provide nutritious foods and more resources to keep your growing family healthy. Start by completing the online application www.phfewic.org/apply or text APPLY to 91997. The new WIC card and app make it easy to access benefits electronically. For the safety of the public, WIC is serving families remotely by phone and online. WIC is safe to use and doe not affect immigration status for anyone currently in the U.S.
Financial assistance
CalWORKs
CalWORKs is a public assistance program that provides cash aid and services to eligible families that have a child(ren) in the home. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food, and other necessary expenses.
Benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19
What employees are entitled to may be confusing. The chart of benefits available for workers affected by COVID-19 may make it easier to understand what resources may be available. The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California:
What employees are entitled to may be confusing. The chart of benefits available for workers affected by COVID-19 may make it easier to understand what resources may be available. The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California:
- Unemployment Insurance
- Paid Family Leave
- State Disability Insurance
- Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (program for employers and self-employed individuals who are not required to pay into SDI)
- Relief from financial institutions
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) cash assistance to certain aged, blind, and disabled legal non-citizens ineligible for Supplemental Social Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) due to their immigration status.
Health and wellness
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Infection Prevention in Child Care Programs Resource from California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety & health Publications Unit
WELLNESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
Warning signs of Vicarious Trauma/Secondary Traumatic Stress and Compassion Fatigue from Tend Academy
Guiding Someone Through Their Stress Response “Hot Walk & Talk” Resource from Tend Academy
Stress Relief Playbook for Covid-19 and Beyond Toolkit from State of California Office of the Surgeon General
Stress Relief for Caregivers and Kids during COVID-19 Toolkit from State of California Office of the Surgeon General
Early Childhood Leaders Managing the Stress of Working in Response to Covid-19 Resources on Google Drive from the Center for Optimal Brain Integration (COBI)
Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook by the Wellness Society
Teaching Your Child to Identify and Express Emotions by the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL)
Enhancing & Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy and Adolescence in Spanish from Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Child Mind Institute - Sign up to receive daily tips about how to support kids during the COVID-19 crisis.
Learning resources
Family engagement
Additional resources