Afterschool Resources for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Posted on March 6, 2020 by - Blog

*Updated 3/17/20

Vermont schools and afterschool programs are closed too. So what does that mean from here on out? We don’t know any better than anyone else what is ahead of us or how long the disruption will go on for, but we will do our best to offer up-to-date resources and ways to help. Here goes…

  • Follow and share guidance from the CDC on practices such as social distancing and limiting contact. Providers also should review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for child-care and youth-serving organizations.
  • Gov. Phil Scott directed all licensed child care programs serving children ages 0 through grade 8 to close with the exception of those who serve families who serve “essential persons” (health care workers, first responders, criminal justice personnel, public health employees, child care providers, school staff, National Guard personnel, and some state employees).

Food and Meals for Kids

Misc. Links

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued guidance, as well as information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The SBA is working with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by the virus. If you are a Vermont small business being affected right now, contact the SBA district office at 802-828-4422.
  • The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development has established a hotline so that businesses may call to report impacts and be directed to resources: (802) 461-5143. The hotline will be staffed Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ACCD and the Department of Labor are working to keep you updated whenever new information becomes available. We encourage you to sign-up for ACCD’s Business and Economic Response to COVID-19 Newsletter
  • Lots of activity on this Facebook page for VTers on How Can I Help #Prepare.
  • This is an organic, ever-changing Google doc with an extensive list of COVID-19 state and community-specific resources.
  • CDC recommendations on managing your mental health.
  • The Department of Labor will be issuing guidance for Employers and Employees, including information on the potential impact on unemployment insurance benefits, employee sick-time and other issues as a result of COVID-19. More information and further updates can be found at labor.vermont.gov.
  • Extended housing supports for vulnerable Vermonters.
  • Summary of emergency federal bills by Rep. Peter Welch.

Remote Learning

  • As school districts close and students are asked to stay home, there are ways to continue to engage your youth through virtual lessons. The American Federation of Teachers has a wealth of resources to help with learning at home. Want to talk through ideas? They also have an online discussion community where you can share ideas, lesson plans, and resources.

From the VT Department of Health:

From the Vermont Child Development Division:

  • “We are working on the most supportive Child Care Financial Assistance Payment policies that are possible and will provide guidance as soon as we are able. We are working as quickly as we can within all levels of state and federal government to provide the most accurate and supportive guidance on financial supports for your program.” For specific concerns about your licensed afterschool program, please contact the licensor on duty at 1-800-649-2642 option 3 or ahs.dcfcddchildcarelicensing@vermont.gov.

From the CDC:

From the World Health Organization: