20200810-4bi: Five Key Messages for Families during COVID-19 — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council Recommendation Number: 20200810-4bi Five Key Messages for Families during COVID-19 WHEREAS, current challenges our community faces due to the COVID-19 public health pandemic are unprecedented; and WHEREAS, often-changing in messages to the community have created confusion and fear for families with young children; and WHEREAS the first five years of life are vitally important for healthy intellectual, physical, and social emotional development; and WHEREAS, the Success By 6 Coalition recommends five simple messages for parents and caregivers that can unite us in word, spirit, and a sense of community; and WHEREAS, these five messages represent a consensus of leaders in early childhood education; and WHEREAS, repetition and consistency help combat confusion and misinformation at a time when clarity is vital; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to share and amplify these five Key Messages for families with young children through all available channels including social media, council office communications, and communications from city staff. 1. Wear a mask every time you leave your home. If you must enter a public building such as a grocery store, try to keep the number of people with you to a minimum. Remember, kids under the age of two should NOT wear masks because of the risk of suffocation. 2. Sign up for Bright By Text for timely resources, simple encouragements, and supports for caregivers: http://www.bit.ly/SMARTATX 3. For the well-being of young children, keep home routines going as much as you can, include daily talking, playing, reading, and singing. 4. Fill out the Census at http://www.mycensus2020.gov/to ensure our community has the resources and representation we need for the next 10 years. 5. Call 2-1-1 or visit http://www.connectatx.org/ to access information about basic needs, including food, childcare, mental health, physical safety, and more. Date of Approval: 8/10/2020 Record of the vote: 7-0-0 Attest: