Resources for Programs

Frequently Asked Questions Page from EEC

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) has announced additional guidance for licensed programs during the coronavirus event. Their FAQ page for licensed programs includes information on who to contact if you plan to close and templates for contact parents. Importantly, programs that close due COVID-19 may be paid for the duration of the closure. In order to be reimbursed, programs must follow very specific steps so please read the guidance page closely.

You can find the FAQ and guidance here.

March 6: Newsletter Post On Preparation

MAP wants to take some time this week to help programs prepare for potential disruptions due to the spread of the coronavirus. As you may be aware, the coronavirus has now begun to spread in the continental United States. On Monday, March 2nd, there were 90 confirmed cases around the country, including 2 here in Massachusetts. According to the MA Department of Public Health, the current threat from the virus remains low. You can however, take precautions to help spread of viruses and help keep kids safe. Afterschool programs, like schools, are important facets of the community and must understand the risk and properly prepare in order to keep students and staff safe.

Here is what the experts say to do:

Create an Action Plan and Clearly Communicate to Students, Parents, and Staff

From the CDC’s website:  “To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for schools to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, schools should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks. Schools want to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities.”

• Talk to your students about what is happening. Here is a guide about how to talk to kids about the virus outbreak.

• Take some time to review your flu plan. If you don’t have one, you can use this CDC checklist here.

• Click here for resources on making sure parents understand when to keep their kids home. 

• Encourage staff who feel sick to stay at home! You may want to review your sick leave policies and amend them to be more flexible and prepare to operate with reduced staff. Click here for more resources on staff planning.

• Create contingency plans if you are unable to run your program for an extended period time (from a couple of weeks to a month).

Teach and Practice Safe Hygiene

Ensure hand washing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. The CDC offers several free hand washing resources that include health promotion materials, information on proper hand washing technique, and tips for families to help children develop good hand washing habits. MA DPH recommends that schools continue education about good hygiene.

Students, staff, and volunteers should be reminded to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, if unable to wash, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not with your hands) 

• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick

Stay Up to Date

The situation will progress rapidly so keep up to date on what is happening. Check official government sources for any new developments. The below sites from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide up-to-date information about coronavirus and offer guidance and resources for responding to this and other types of widespread illnesses.  Be sure to reach out to city or town officials to see if they have offered any official guidance on the virus – this will vary from town to town.

From the CDC

• Coronavirus Overview

• Business Response Guidanc

• Flu

From the World Health Organization (WHO)

• Coronavirus Overview

• Coronavirus Q&A

From the State Department of Public Health

Information on the Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19

COVID-19 Relief Funds

Updated 4/10/2020: Please follow this link to a page dedicated to relief funds: https://www.massafterschool.org/covidresources

Charities and foundations are stepping up to help people and nonprofits make it through this troubling time. Below are some relief funds and loans available. Click on the headers for application links.

Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program
Nonprofits suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Apply online.

The Boston Foundation COVID-19 Respond Fund Grants
The Fund is currently focused on providing general operating support grants to nonprofits whose operations address the basic needs of vulnerable populations that are under additional strain due to the pandemic. Scroll to the bottom of this page for application instructions.

Parenting Journey It Takes a Village Emergency Fund
Parents and families in the PJ community: You can request a stipend to help ease some the financial burdens you are experiencing during these unprecedented times. This money will be delivered in the form of an online gift card.

Women's Foundation of Boston COVID-19 Response Fund
This fund is for organizations that are doing work to positively impact girls and young women in the Boston area.

Cambridge COVID-19 Emergency Fund
Cambridge residents, nonprofits, and small businesses experiencing financial crisis may apply for a one-time grant ranging from $200 to $1,000. One grant is allowed per applicant. A limited number of special grants of up to $10,000 will be considered to nonprofits who can provide relief to individuals and families.