Beyond meals and online programming, afterschool providers are finding ways to stay connected with students and families. In fact, staying connected in a time of social distancing is one of the challenges and concerns we’ve been hearing most. A few of the strategies we’ve heard include holding community calls with families using video platforms like Zoom, conducting weekly one-one-one calls with students or parents, or dropping off resources such as activity kits, learning supports, or devices to support online learning.
Programs are using check-ins with families to share resources and information on food and meals, financial assistance, unemployment benefits, and local mutual aid efforts, and to identify needs in these areas as well as around learning and access to technology.
Importance of Including Afterschool in School Reopening Plans
07/30/20
When schools reopen this fall, it won't be business as usual. New health and safety standards developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitate a radical rethinking of the way we serve students.
WatchVirtual Town Hall: #Afterschoolworks to Support Learning & Recovery
05/28/20
The National Town Hall celebrates the many ways afterschool programs have risen to the moment to help their communities respond to the pandemic, and looks ahead toward afterschool and summer learning programs' critical role in recovery. Read the follow-up Q&A document here.
WatchFacing Inequity with Youth and Families During the COVID-19 Era
05/07/20
The COVID-19 pandemic is exposing and widening existing social justice gaps in education broadly and out-of-school time is no exception. Given this unprecedented time, we focus on real-time approaches that afterschool and summer learning programs can use to move the needle on issues of equity and access.
WatchSafely Engaging Youth in a Virtual World
04/23/20
With the quick transition from in-person to virtual learning environments, afterschool providers are quickly adapting to serve young people in this new virtual world. But sifting through all of the resources that have flooded the field can be a tough task. Instead, we can learn from experts who have years of experience preparing educators to engage students in a virtual environment.
WatchPolicy Supports for Afterschool and Summer Programs during the Pandemic
04/21/20
State and federal legislation and guidance around education, child care, human services, and child nutrition policy are rapidly changing under the COVID-19 pandemic. As these policies and guidance shift, it is critical to keep track of where things stand and what's coming up.
WatchHow Federal COVID-19 Response Bills can Support Afterschool Opportunities
04/09/20
Many afterschool providers are struggling to provide opportunities for young people and families in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial assistance and flexibility is often needed. We will talk through opportunities included in the three major COVID-19 response bills, as well as a glimpse into what’s proposed for next round of legislation.
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