Community & Mental Health Resources
Community and Mental Health Resources Community Resources The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things about daily life and jobs. If your family needs help, here
Supports and Resources
During the COVID-19 pandemic, child care providers can get help to safely open their programs and get through financial challenges. Find information on financial assistance programs, mental health support, and how to get supplies for your program.
Financial Support
There are federal, state, and local programs that can help your child care program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of LA County’s child care providers are considered small businesses, including non-profit and private centers and family child care homes. That means you are eligible for programs that give financial support to small businesses.
For local help: Visit LA County COVID-19 Information for Businesses.
For information on federal help: A new economic relief package became law in December 2020. New resources are available to child care programs and staff. Here are two documents with details on federal funding opportunities for child care educators. These were developed and shared by All Our Kin and are current as of January 11, 2021.
Paycheck Protection Program – Special Application Period for Businesses with Fewer than 20 Employees: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a forgivable loan program to help very small businesses, such as child care programs, with much needed financial support during these unprecedented times. From February 24 to March 10, 2021, only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for a PPP loan. This exclusive application period allows participating lenders to focus on serving very small businesses, such as family child care (FCC) educators and early care and education (ECE) programs.
For more information about PPP and other financial business supports, please visit the Office of Child Care’s (OCC) webpage: Early Care and Education Providers: Taking Advantage of the New Small Business Administration Loan and Grant Programs
Additional Financial Support Resources
A summary of available programs is below. Please click here for more details and links to access specific programs. This information was current as of April 2020.
- Paycheck Protection Program
- The PPP is a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan designed to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus crisis. Update: In 2021, there are two loans available: First Loans for businesses that didn’t receive loans before and Second Draw Loans for businesses that did get loans in 2020. Click here for PPP information.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Loan Advance
- The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) offers up to $2 million in assistance to help small businesses, including non-profits and sole proprietors, overcome the temporary loss of revenue due to the current health crisis. The low-interest loans can be used to pay for payroll, rent, and other general operating expenses. Affected businesses are also eligible for a loan advance of up to $10,000 when they apply for the EIDL
- California Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program – COVID-19
- The Small Business Finance Center is offering loans to small businesses and non-profits in California with one to 750 employees that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. You can apply for a loan at a participating lending institution or through one of the seven IBank partner Financial Development Corporations
- L.A. County’s Employer Assistance Grant Fund
- Businesses may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in grants based on need. Preference will be given to small businesses (between two to fifty employees), including non-profits, located in unincorporated areas of the county.
- L.A. County’s COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program (COVID-19 Relief Fund)
- This public-private partnership will provide critical funding for small businesses and non-profits experiencing hardship and who were not able to access the Paycheck Protection Program.
- City of Los Angeles Small Business Emergency Microloan Program
- The City of Los Angeles established the Small Business Emergency Microloan Program to help forprofit and tax-exempt businesses with 100 or fewer employees impacted by COVID-19.
- Other Opportunities:
- Long Beach Emergency Microloan Program
- City of Pasadena
- Verizon/LISC Small Business Recovery Grant
- Jewish Free Loan Association
- Facebook Small Business Grants Programs
Mental Health Support
COVID-19 can affect your mental health. There are many resources that can help you. You can also find resources to help you help families below.
We recommend that you regularly check-in with yourself and your staff to make sure you are doing okay. Stay connected to your family, friends, and other communities you belong to. Ask for help if you need it.
Remember, heroes need help too. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.
Resources for Early Educators’ Mental Health
- Navigating the new normal after COVID-19: On June 25, the LA Child Care Response Team shared a presentation on navigating the new normal and supporting mental health after COVID-19.
- Domestic violence, mental health, and substance abuse: Local information and hotlines from LA County Department of Public Social Services. If you need help right away, please call.
- Coping with stress, anxiety and loss for adults: LA County Department of Mental Health offers resources in many languages for coping with stress, anxiety, and loss during the pandemic.
- Addressing Trauma, Toxic Stress & Self-care: A presentation shared during the 6/5/20 ECE Community Call, focused on resources for ECE providers.
- Meditation: Stopping to breathe and relax even for a couple of minutes can help your mental health. The Headspace app and the LA County Department of Mental Health have partnered to provide meditation, movement, and sleep resources for free to LA residents.
Supplies
Potential Supplies
Availability varies based on donations from local and state level organizations
- Face masks
- Books
- Hand sanitizers
- Cleaning solution
- Diapers
- Wipes
Obtaining Supplies
Contact your local Resource and Referral (R&R) agency to find out how to sign up for supply distributions. To find your local R&R, enter your zip code in the search box on this page.
If your program is planning to reopen soon, you can access these supplies. If you are not planning to reopen imminently, please leave supplies for providers who are already open and serving children and families. Future distributions of supplies will continue throughout this crisis situation.
Program Quality Support
Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA) is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) that supports centers and family child care providers with ongoing program enhancements. Programs that participate in QSLA receive incentive funds and professional development supports. Learn more about QSLA here.
Related Links
Illness and Exposure
Illness and Exposure What to do if someone at your program is sick or has been exposed to COVID-19 The COVID-19 virus is spread when