As a field committed to relationships and networks, we are thinking deeply about what the COVID-19 pandemic means for afterschool and youth-serving organizations and ensuring they are sustained in ways that are intentional and responsive. 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, ways to connect, and important things to know.
This we know: Afterschool & summer learning programs are part of the solution.
Stay Connected. Vermont Afterschool is here to support you. We’ve hosted weekly virtual roundtables for providers to come together, share ideas, ask questions and support one another. You can view past forums on our YouTube channel here.
Licensed Afterschool Programs. If you are a licensed afterschool or child care program, see the Child Development Division’s COVID-19 page here for information relating to programs, families, and children’s integrated services.
Health and Safety. The Vermont Department of Health continues to work with partner agencies in supporting the health and wellness of children and their families during this time. Visit their page for the latest information relating to health and safety guidance.
Testing and Vaccines. COVID-19 testing is available to all Vermonters. For information on testing, visit here. For the latest information on Vermont’s COVID-19 vaccine schedule and how to register, visit the VDH page here.
Food. Our friends at Hunger Free Vermont have an excellent resource center on how Vermonters can access healthy food during this time as well as up-to-date information on summer meals sites.
Afterschool COVID-19 Library. We offer our own COVID-19 resource library specific to afterschool and youth-serving organizations. This is being updated daily and includes sections on social-emotional learning support, online learning activities & curriculum, virtual professional development, and how to connect remotely with youth and staff.