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Checklist to Help Make Your Plan

Plan for Your Child in Case You Get Sick: NYC is experiencing widespread community transmission of the COVID-19 illness. While it is scary for parents to think about getting sick, you might be comforted to talk to your friends and family about a plan for your child if that happens. This checklist can help you organize the information and resources your caregiver and child may need.

Quick Tip: Illness or emergency can happen suddenly. Even if you don't have time or ability to do all of the below, you may want to pack a simple "go bag" for your child with basics - a change of clothes, diapers and wipes, essential medicines, and a list of important phone numbers. Include a small toy or game as a comfort item if you can.

Food, clothes, and other supplies:

  • Consider packing a bag for each child with clean clothing and other items that your child would use for up to two weeks, including clothes, shoes, and outerwear that would be appropriate for weather changes; diapers and wipes; hairbrush or other personal grooming items; etc.
  • Have an open conversation with your backup caregiver about what they might need if care lasts a few days or weeks, including extra food, diapers, personal products, and other supplies for your child. Does your caregiver have the financial resources to take care of your child, or will you need to make a plan together?

Important documents: Gather your child's important documents into one place that the caregiver can access if needed. These might include birth certificate, passport, other forms of government identification, immunization records, and insurance information.

Medical information: List your child's health care providers, pharmacy, and contact information; tell your caregiver about any allergies or food sensitivities, and how to give your child any medication they might need

Education information: List your child's school or child care provider and the contact information and let the caregiver know how to access any remote learning information and supplies.

Comfort and routine: Tell your caregiver what helps your child feel comforted and safe. What are your child's favorite books, songs, toys, and games? What activities do you and your child like to do together? How do you handle negative behaviors and encourage positive behaviors? Also let your caregiver know what routines you follow for meals, naps, homework time, screen time, etc. Sticking to a routine will help your child maintain a sense of normalcy and will help your caregiver make your child feel safe.

Staying connected: Maintaining contact with other people who are important in your child's life can help minimize stress and anxiety, even if they are not the ones taking care of your child. Can you save a contact list in your child's phone or have them help you make an "important people" phone book? Keep chargers organized in one place so they are easy to access and won't be forgotten if your child needs to travel.

Protective orders: If you have an order of protection in place to keep your child safe from someone else, please let your caregiver know and give them a copy of the order.