We are living in an unprecedented time. Sweeping changes enacted to protect families' health have put us all in roles that we were unprepared to take on. We at CFK know that for families with a concern about their child already, this may be a particularly challenging time. As with our other resource guides, we've taken the top four resources recommended by local experts in the field to help you get started. Additional resources will be added as they are collected. Concerned that your child or a member of your family is sick with COVID-19?All families are urged to follow guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (en español). In addition, the major hospitals in Northeast Ohio have published the following guidelines on how to access care. Akron Children's Hospital | Cleveland Clinic | MetroHealth | University Hospitals/Rainbow | You're Not Alone.In addition to the resources on this page, CFK offers opportunities to learn and connect with other families. To Learn More:
To Connect:
Using Zoom: |
Organizations Providing Trusted Health Resources
The following organizations have been identified as places to get trusted information on COVID-19: |
County Boards of Public Health
Cuyahoga County Lorain County |
Podcasts and Video Content to Support Families During ClosuresThe following podcasts have been created to support families during COVID-19 closures: |
Defiant and Difficult Behavior at Home Jay Berk, PhD, |
Ken Dix and Elyra Gonzalez, |
Staying Sane with Little Ones at Home Paula C. Papp and Neysa McKenney, Connecting for Kids |
Terri McNeely, The Child and Family Counseling Center of Westlake |
(2020)
Special Education Resources
The following organizations and resources are available for questions about special education in Ohio during school closure:
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)
800-374-2806 ocecd@ocecd.org
| How to Communicate Concerns with Your Child's School from Connecting for Kids
| Considerations for Students with Disabilities During Ohio's Ordered School Building Closure from Ohio Department of Education
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Resources for Families with Children Diagnosed with Moderate-to-Severe Disabilities
Families with children diagnosed with moderate-to-severe disabilities or medically fragile conditions may benefit from the following resources:
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
513-803-3627 | Window Signs from Gator Bait Gear
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Financial ResourcesFamilies who have had a change in financial status may benefit from the following resources: |
Family Support Services Families may be eligible for increased family support benefits through your county board of developmental disabilities. Contact your service and support administrator to re-apply. | How to Find Funds for Therapy from Connecting for Kids
| How to Apply for Grants for Children with Special Needs podcast from Connecting for Kids
| How to Apply for Supplemental Security Income from Connecting for Kids
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Recommended Websites & Downloads to Explain COVID-19 to Children
Families may benefit from the following websites and downloads for help in explaining COVID-19 to children: |
Coronavirus video from BrainPop | Talking to Children about Coronavirus from ChildMind Institute | Coronavirus Social Story from The Autism Educator |
What You Need to Know About Hand Washing video from the CDC
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| Call, text or email: Phone: 1-440-570-5908 | Address: P.O. Box 45372 |
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