BVEA + CDE
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to touch lives across the country and around the world, we're constantly looking for ways to keep our members informed with resources. If you're feeling the emotional and mental weight of this moment, you're not alone. BVEA is here for you.
Below are some resources to assist during our times of need:
CLICK HERE to access CDE’s Toolkit 2021 School Year
The guidance in the toolkit will be adjusted over the coming weeks based on feedback and the evolving situation with COVID-19.
CLICK HERE to view the CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted on March 27, 2020 – a $2 trillion package of assistance measures that include direct payment to families, loans for small businesses, supports for businesses and funding for education. Information on the four education funding streams from the CARES Act is provided here: the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund and nutrition.
School and District Support from CDE
CDE’s top priority is the health and safety of all students, educators and communities in Colorado. The department has compiled resources below about Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) to help provide guidance to schools and districts. Commissioner of Education Katy Anthes is also sending communications to superintendents and BOCES directors.
Schools and districts should work directly with their local public health agency and the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) for guidance on COVID-19.
Connect with Health Agencies
Connect with Health Resources
Guidance for Educators and Schools
- Fall 2020 Communications Resources
- Reopening Schools Guidance
- Planning the 2020-21 School Year: A Framework and Toolkit for School and District Leaders – CDE
- Guidance for disinfecting high-touch surfaces – EPA
- COVID-19 Resources for Principals – CDE
- Guidance for wearing masks – State of Colorado
- CARES Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund – CDE
- CDE Policy Guidance on a wide range of topics
- Support from Colorado’s Teachers of the Year – CDE
- For Schools: Picking up Student Materials and Property While Schools are Closed – CDE
- Child Abuse Reporting Resources for Educators – Colorado Department of Human Services
Federal Education Guidance
- Updated Guidance for the Interruption of Study Related to COVID-19 – U.S. Office of Postsecondary Education
- Student Privacy and FERPA During COVID-19 (PDF) – U.S. Dept. of Education
- Preventing and Addressing Potential Discrimination Associated with COVID-19 – U.S. Office for Civil Rights
- Providing Services to Children with Disabilities (PDF) – U.S. Dept of Education
Guidance for Parents
- Protect Our Neighbors – local communities can apply for Protect-Our-Neighbors certification starting July 7
- Safer at Home in the Vast, Great Outdoors – started June 4
- Get Help Now – resources for basic needs
- Guidance for wearing masks – State of Colorado
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus – PBS
- Protective Equipment Donations Needed (PDF) – State of Colorado
- Parks and Playgrounds Guidance – CDPHE
- What to Do When School is Closed – CDPHE
- Free Summer Meals
- School Meals for Kids: Interactive Map – CDE
- Food Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak – Hunger Free Colorado
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (PDF) – National Associations of: School Psychologists and School Nurses
- Helping Children Cope With Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak (PDF) – World Health Organization (WHO)
- Mental Health and Coping – CDC
Safer at Home Guidance
Mental Health Resources
It is very important that we all take the time to care for ourselves and make sure our members also have resources available. Below are some links on articles with tips and resources on how to care for ourselves and our mental health in this time.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00933-5
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://mhanational.org/covid19