COVID-19

Updated: June 2, 2020, at 11:40 am

YWCA Lake County is closely monitoring developments with COVID-19 and following the recommendations of public health experts. Click here to read the latest news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the safety of staff, clients, volunteers, and supporters is our primary concern, we are also developing plans to minimize interruptions to our many direct services, upon which so many individuals and families rely. Please continue to follow us here and on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) for updates on programs, services, and upcoming events as plans are subject to change.

Remote Programs and Services

Wherever possible, we are transitioning the following to remote options (e.g. teleconference or virtual visits); Trainings and Classes are cancelled until further notice.

• Home Visiting (License Exempt Monitor, Recruitment and Retention Visits etc.)
• Provider Service Technical Assistance
• Child Care Assistance Program
  • Essential Worker parents, please fill out this application for emergency childcare.
• Child Care Referrals
• Health Services information offered online

Office Closure

The YWCA Lake County 1425 Tristate Parkway, Gurnee, IL location is closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17th until further notice. Program staff will be available remotely to continue providing services, so please look out for emails/phone calls with more details. You can also continue sending your inquiries through email and/or phone to have the message forwarded to the right team.

Notice: Due to Governor Pritzker’s order of Shelter in Place for the state of Illinois, YWCA Lake County will no longer be able to accommodate the School Age Program before and after school sessions or the seasonal camps, effective Monday, March 23rd. We regret to announce that the School Age Program will remain closed through June. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will keep you updated on when these programs will run again.

• Telephone Number – (847) 662-4247, Please listen for department extension options.
• Fax: (847) 855-0304
• Child Care Assistance Program
  • ccap@ywcalakecountyil.org
  • Drop-off box available 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Provider Services
  • providerservices@ywcalakecountyil.org
  • Drop-off box available 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Health Services
  • berganzab@ywcalakecountyil.org
  • (847) 401-3145

COVID-19 Early Childhood Resources

• IDHS is updating child care providers here.
  • May & June
    • Center & Licensed Home May And June Attendance Exemption Form – REQUIRED
    • License Exempt Home May And June Attendance Exemption Form – REQUIRED
    • GUIDANCE FOR CCAP BILLING CERTIFICATES Centers And Licensed Homes
    • GUIDANCE FOR CCAP BILLING CERTIFICATES License Exempt Homes
    • IDHS May & June Memo
      • In Spanish 
    • PEW Application
      The Priority Essential Worker application process and eligibility was offered for the service months of April and May. Per the Executive Order, all PEW applications were approved with eligibility beginning either 4/1 or 5/1. Effective June 1, 2020, the PEW application will no longer be accepted. However, IDHS will pay through the service month of June.
    • Auto Extension
      Auto extensions will be extended for the service month of June, providing clients whose cases would have ended June 30th with an additional 6 months of child care under current eligibility. Effective July 1, 2020, auto extensions will no longer be offered and clients will be responsible for completing redetermination application and submitting all required supporting documentation.
    • $1 Copays
      The $1 copay will be extended for the service month of June. Effective July 1, 2020, the $1 copay will no longer be offered and clients will be responsible for paying their original copay amount.
    • Attendance Exemption Policy and Form
      The Attendance Exemption Policy and form are being extended for the service month of June. For providers to qualify for the exemption, they must complete the online survey and the May/June Attendance Exemption form. The attendance exemption form must be submitted with the monthly certificates. Effective July 1, 2020, the Attendance Exemption policy and form will no longer be offered.
    • 30% Add-on
      The enhanced payment rate for Emergency Child Care Centers caring for children of essential workers is being extended for the service month of June. Effective July 1, 2020, the 30% add on will no longer be offered.
  • Older
    • IDHS Attendance Exemption Guide updated 04/08/20
      • In Spanish 
    • Pautas y aplicación para programas de cuidado infantil 04/02/20
    • Formulario de asistencia: Cuidado infantil familiar con licencia previa* 04/02/20
    • IDHS COVID-19 Temporary Attendance Exemption Policy 03/20/20
    • IDHS CCAP Provider Payment Update 03/20/20
    • Provider and Parent FAQ 03/17/20
    • Guidance for Child Care Centers and Closures 03/17/20
• Reminder do not fax your Emergency Child Care Stipend Application to the YWCA. Email your application, W9, copy of Emergency Child Care License approval (if applicable) and attendance sheet (s) to the Child Care Resource and Referral System at eccgrants@inccrra.org.
• PEW Application – The Priority Essential Worker application process and eligibility is being extended for the service month of May.
• 30% Add-on – The enhanced payment rate for ECCs caring for children of EW is being extended for the service month of May.
• Attendance Exemption Policy and Form – The Attendance Exemption Policy and form are being extended for the service month of May. A new form for May will be issued. 
• INCCRRA has developed these documents address the whole array of early childhood operations, including Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care Assistance Program, day care, early learning, preschool and related services. As a provider, the recently passed federal CARES Act provides options for you to get financial relief related to the coronavirus.
  • FAQ SBA Coronavirus Relief Options
  • Decision Tool SBA Coronavirus Relief Options
• Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development updates can be found here.
• INCCRRA sent this message 03/23/20.

COVID-19 Resources from YWCALC Health Services Program

• YWCALC COVID-19 Video Series

Other Community Resources

• Chamberofcommer.org has created this list of FAQ’s for Small Business Owners.
• The Illinois Department of Labor has put together an FAQ on Employee Rights – Paid Sick Leave during COVID-19.
• CARES Act one-pager composed by CHC staff in English and in Spanish.
• A table of when workers can receive Unemployment Compensation.
• Center for Biocide Chemistries has listed products for fighting COVID-19.
• The Lake County Health Department is updating the number of community cases and community closures and service changes daily.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has put together resources for maintaining financial security during this crisis.
• The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has a list of all free/low-cost broadband internet offered at this time.
• PBS KIDS has put together this guide to help explain COVID-19 to children.