Washington, D.C.—March 18, 2020
As families in every community around the globe face daily uncertainties and challenges due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), ZERO TO THREE, the leading nonprofit for babies and toddlers, today released a set of free resources for parents, caregivers, early care and education professionals, and others who directly or indirectly care for babies and toddlers.
“At times like these, it’s important for us to remember that we have a strong community of family, friends, and colleagues we can count on for support,” said Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE. “We know that for working parents and caregivers in particular, ‘life interrupted’ brings the unexpected challenge of juggling care and work due to school and child care closures. And most of us are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety. We honor that the health and well-being of you and your family comes first. Guided by this fundamental understanding, we are providing expert guidance to families with young children to help ease caregiving during this uncertain time. By taking care of ourselves and each other, we can take better care of babies.”
Resources for Children and Families
Our collection of free, expert resources is available at zerotothree.org/coronavirusoffsite link and will be updated on an ongoing basis. We also encourage our community of early childhood professionals to share these resources with the families they serve.
- Answering Your Young Child’s Questions About Coronavirusoffsite link
Even if you’ve kept your toddler away from news about COVID-19 in the media or overhearing adult conversations, they are bound to have questions. Here are some age-appropriate responses to common questions. - “Why are people wearing masks? Why are people covering their faces?”offsite link
Read through tips to answer tough questions toddlers may ask about COVID-19. - At-Home Activity Guide for Babies and Toddlersoffsite link
With these activities and experiences at-the-ready, you can feel less stressed and more prepared! - Young Children at Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Importance of Self-Careoffsite link
Self-care is not selfish or indulgent—it’s how we keep ourselves well to ensure we are physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of being there for our young children. - Five Tips to Make the Most of Video Chatsoffsite link
Can’t visit the grandparent’s because of new rules or worries? Here are some tips for making the most of your next video chat.
About ZERO TO THREE
ZERO TO THREE works to ensure all babies and toddlers benefit from the family and community connections critical to their well-being and development. Since 1977, the organization has advanced the proven power of nurturing relationships by transforming the science of early childhood into helpful resources, practical tools and responsive policies for millions of parents, professionals, and policymakers. For more information, and to learn how to become a ZERO TO THREE member, please visit zerotothree.org, facebook.com/zerotothree, or follow @zerotothree on Twitter.
