Weekly Insider: March 27, 2020
How to Support the Most Vulnerable Students During the COVID-19 Crisis
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, schools, students and families across the country are adapting to the challenges and realities of remotely supporting students’ health and academic growth.
While school closures can be difficult for everyone, they can be particularly disruptive and challenging for more vulnerable student populations, such as those with disabilities, those who may be experiencing homelessness, and those with minimal support systems at home. For these students, schools may be their only safety net for receiving food, education and mental health services. Schools and staff must be especially mindful of the needs of these students and seek to proactively and strategically reach out to them and their families to ensure that needs are met.
Among the resources included below, you will find ideas and strategies for continuing to support students who may be particularly vulnerable due to current school closures.
New Resources
Council for Exceptional Children: Resources for Teaching Remotely
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has published many resources to support special education professionals working with students remotely, while still applying good teaching practices. Find (free) membership information to access the extensive database of resources.
Apps for Students With Special Needs — As School Buildings Shutter
As remote learning becomes the new norm for K-12 learning, one concern for teachers and parents is how to help keep students on track with their individualized education programs. Find a list of teacher and special education-recommended apps and digital tools to support learning.
COVID-19 and Homelessness: Strategies for Schools, Early Learning Programs, and Higher Education Institutions
From School House Connection, find a list of resources, strategies, FAQs, etc. for local education agencies, schools and early childhood providers to identify and support their students and families who may be experiencing homelessness.
COVID-19 Response for Students Who Are Homeless or With Experience in Foster Care
Students who experience homelessness or foster care often do not have strong support systems during times of crisis. Tips and resources are provided in this guide to support students with their health and educational success.
Grant Alerts
Emergency Grants | No Kid Hungry
Emergency grants available for school districts and organizations working to sustain nutrition programs for children during current school closures. Learn more.
Deadline: Undefined
Underserved Student Education | Brady Education Foundation
Supporting projects focused on evaluating programs that help close opportunity and achievement gaps associated with race and family income. Learn more.
Deadline: April 1, 2020
SEL in Action Awards | Education First and NoVo Foundation
Supporting the implementation of SEL initiatives in schools, either at the educator level (teachers, counselors, administrators, etc.) or at the district level. Learn more.
Deadline: April 10, 2020
Project AWARE State Education Agency Grants | SAMHSA
Expands capacity of State Educational Agencies to increase awareness of mental health issues among school-aged youth, train school personnel and connect youth to services. Learn more.
Deadline: April 20, 2020
*The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools does not administer these funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for further direction and details.
Job Opportunities
School Victim Counselor | Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
Provide services to students who have experienced direct or indirect victimization, either in informal counseling groups and individually. Learn more.
Special Education Content Specialist | San Francisco Unified School District (San Francisco, CA)
Support intellectual growth, creativity, self-discipline, physical and mental health of students to achieve maximum potential. Learn more.
LPC Counselor/School Psychologist | Research to Practice (Kansas City, MO)
Flexible, part-time position to provide counseling, risk assessment and consultations in various schools within Kansas City area schools. Learn more.
School-Based Mental Health Therapist | Bitterroot Valley Education Cooperative (Hamilton, MT)
Work with school-based team to provide comprehensive mental health support to students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Learn more.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
March 31, 2020 3:00 PM ET
Webinar: The Revised School Mental Health Kit
Hosted by MHTTC Network
April 3, 2020 3:00 PM ET
Webinar: Promoting Teacher Resilience
Hosted by Aperture Education
April 14, 2020 1:00–3:00 PM ET
Webinar: Social-Emotional Learning: How to Make it Work for Schools
Hosted by Aperture Education