As childcare centers reopen with care, they must follow Safe Mode guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. COVID-19 is not gone, so we must reopen with care. When we begin the green phase, not all activities can restart right away. As Philadelphia continues to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and other precautions, the City’s PHLpreK team has compiled recommended activities and resources for families and childcare providers. 

View previously shared resources for families and early learning providers during COVID-19.

For families of young children

At-home activities and routines

Local resources

  • Philadelphia summer resources: Find information about Playstreets, staying cool this summer, playgrounds, City summer programs, and more.
  • Mighty Writers
    • Mighty Mindfulness: Parents and kids can tune in at the end of each week for live mindfulness time with Ms. Amber on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • Family Write Night: Explore topics like culture, family history & mightiness, providing opportunities for kids and adults to bond, share ideas, share stories, and write together! Be ready to play games too! Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Mister John’s Music: Tune in for weekly music episodes with Mister John, Miss Lilly, and more. Sing, play, and dance along!
  • United Way’s FREE Vello virtual literacy program: This summer program pairs children with trained virtual reading volunteer mentors at designated times, twice weekly, from June 22 through August 28. In order to sign up your child before sessions begin, please fill out this registration form today.
  • Summer of Wonder: The Free Library has a new virtual Summer of Wonder taking place from June 1 through August 31. View virtual programming for fun craft and maker activities, storytimes and book clubs, gaming and STEM programs, and more to help your mind stay curious and active all summer long.
  • Early childhood activities: Ami Patel Hopkins, a Philadelphia educator, has created her own site for resources for Philadelphia families which includes easy activities at home for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
  • Free Library Early Learning online: The Free Library’s Literacy in Early Learning Spaces team has launched a YouTube channel sharing fun activities for learning at home.
  • Reading Promise: This campaign is designed with and for Philly families to energize raising strong readers.
  • The Ultimate Summer Learning Adventure: Follow along for fun at-home activities all summer long. Find 6 weeks of 180+ activities for grades pre-K-2.

More activities and resources

  • Sesame Street art: Let your children get creative on a computer, tablet, or cell phone by creating virtual art.
  • Baby sign language: Learn a new skill! Ms. Stephanie is hosting online baby sign language classes for free.
  • Month-by-month pregnancy and baby guides: Learn about monthly pregnancy and baby milestones on The Bump.
  • DIY kinetic sand: Did you know you can make your own kinetic sand at home? Check out this quick recipe and suggestions for play.
  • Tinkergarten activities: Explore outdoor, play-based learning with your child. Find activities by age (0-8) or skills (thinking, social and emotional, and body skills)
  • 6 PBS Kids Apps for Summer Learning: Free to low cost apps and activities that families can do together. Explore online games, mobile apps and more.
  • Reading CheckUP: Learn about the specific reading skills your child should focus on with recommendations for home activities that perfectly align to your child’s needs.

Black Lives Matter resources

Health and wellness resources

Childcare and education resources

  • What reopening means for childcare: As childcare centers reopen, we can all do our part to help children and staff at childcare and early education centers stay healthy and safe. Here’s what to expect if you are seeking childcare. Learn more about the City’s Reopening With Care plan.
  • Kindergarten transition: Will your child be 5 years old by September 1, 2020? Kindergarten registration is taking place NOW and is completely online. For more information, visit the School District of Philadelphia’s Thrive at Five page. Scroll down for videos to walk you through each step or download the step-by-step PDF. Still have questions? Call the Office of Student Placement at 215-400-4290. Families in need of translation assistance can call the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 215-400-4180.

Food, housing, and financial resources

For early learning providers

Business resources

  • Home Grown: This relief program provides direct financial support to address the needs of home-based child care caregivers and providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • SBA Coronavirus Relief Options: The SBA offers multiple funding options for those seeking relief.
  • Fund for Sustaining Quality (FSQ): Check out these COVID-19 business support resources from PHMC and partners to support early education operators, including upcoming new webinars, recorded webinars, links partner and other community resources including grant and loan applications, and new tools as they are created.
  • Cleaning Supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has created a website to connect Pennsylvania businesses with those businesses able to meet supply requests.
Get information and updates about the COVID-19 coronavirus in Philadelphia.
Information is updated daily on the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 webpage. Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone. Call the helpline 24/7 to speak with a health care professional: 1-800-722-7112.