Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the world, our country and our communities affecting every aspect of our daily lives. Kids and families in the U.S. and around the world are struggling with this new reality.
In the U.S., many child care centers face a real fear that they may not be able to open again when the virus subsides. Without child care, parents won’t be able to go back to work.
Throughout the world, millions of kids in refugee camps are vulnerable to COVID-19. Social distancing is literally impossible in these crowded areas and health care resources are stretched very thin. Closer to home, many children seeking asylum in the United States are being held in overcrowded detention centers where coronavirus is already spreading and infecting children.
We must be a voice for children at home and around the world during this difficult time. Learn how you can make a difference for kids today.
Support Child Care
In their Words: the Effect of COVID-19
All across the country, SCAN is working to ensure that children, families and caregivers are a priority.
SCAN spoke with more than 20 volunteers about their experiences with COVID-19. Here are some of their stories.
Videos
More Videos:
Blogs
Advocating in Times of Adversity: The Case for Saving Child Care
Child care is in danger. We need our leaders to stand alongside child care programs and create sustainable investments that support our youngest citizens.
Investing in Our Littlest Learners is No Small Matter
An entire generation is forced to contort their lives around America’s failure to address one of the basic responsibilities of any human society— supporting families with babies and young children.
You Asked, We Answered: 6 Questions about Child Care from the 2020 Virtual Advocacy Summit
SCAN answered some of the questions about child care and COVID-19 that we were unable to get to during the 3rd session of the 2020 Virtual Advocacy Summit.
Take Action
Send a Message to Congress
Tell Congress to Save Child Care
Big win for children and families – the House of Representatives passed the Child Care is Essential Act! Now we need Congress to take the next step and include that funding for child care in the coronavirus recovery package. Take action!
Engage the Media and Your Networks
Below is a sample letter. Feel free to adapt and use.
Letter to the Editor – Word Document
Letter to the Editor – PDF
_____________
View SCAN’s Press Releases
Save the Children Action Network Press Release on Covid-19 Pandemic
(March 27, 2020)
Survey: Voters Support Financial Assistance for America’s Child Care Industry
(April 22, 2020)
_____________
SCAN and its coalition partners have been writing letters to Congress, urging them to include the needs of children, families and child care teachers and workers in their stimulus bills. Read the letters below.
Child Care Community Statement (March 27, 2020)
Recommendations for the CARES Act (April 9, 2020)
Strengthen SNAP in the Next Federal
COVID-19 Relief Package (April 9, 2020)
USDA Child Nutrition Waiver
Extensions Letter (June 2, 2020)
Protect Vulnerable Children
The Effect of COVID-19 on Children
COVID-19 is threatening children around the world. Here’s how we can help.
COVID has been devastating for children around the world. But we can help protect those children and their families by urging Congress to act.
We Must be a Voice for Girls’ Rights
Today, one of the toughest place in the world to be a girl is in West and Central Africa. We must advocate with them for change.
When it Comes to Asylum, Children are Losing Out
While immigration is an intensely complex topic, our lawmakers need to remember that children are at the heart of the debate. And no matter what side of the aisle you’re on, children deserve care and respect.
Take Action
Protect Vulnerable Children
Ask Congress to Provide Needed COVID-19 Humanitarian Relief
Send a message to your members of Congress today to provide robust international assistance as part of our coronavirus response!
Help Children Seeking Asylum
Speak Out Against Family Separation in ICE Detention
Immigration officials are forcing parents to make an impossible choice: stay together in detention or send their children away. Tell Congress and the president that this illegal practice must end!
Engage the Media and Your Networks
Below is a sample letter. Feel free to adapt and use.
Letter to the Editor – Word Document
Letter to the Editor – PDF
_____________
SCAN and its coalition partners have been writing letters, advocating for the needs of vulnerable children. Read the letters below.
Migrant Protection Protocols Raise Severe Access to Counsel Concerns (April 3, 2020)
60+ U.S.-Based Organizations Demand Halt to Deportations during COVID-19 (April 8, 2020)
Expulsions of Unaccompanied Children (April 9, 2020)
Illegal Expulsions by the Department of Homeland Security under the March 20, 2020 Order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (April 16, 2020)
Restoring asylum protections for domestic violence survivors and all others seeking asylum during the global pandemic (April 16, 2020)
Indefinite Suspension of Protections for Asylum Seekers and Unaccompanied Children (May 27, 2020)
Letter on DHS Policies Imperiling Children’s Safety and Family Unity (June 16, 2020)
Family Unity Sign on Letter (July 17, 2020)
Engage the Candidates
Raise Your Voice
The 2020 Election is still in full swing!
We need to make sure that the candidates are putting kids first.
Raise Your Voice for Kids: Candidate Question Guide
_____________
Preparing Your Question for a Tele-Townhall or Virtual Event
_____________
Engaging Candidates and Lawmakers in Tele-Town Halls and Virtual Events
Take Action
Send a Message to the Candidates
President Trump and former Vice President Biden: Prioritize Rebuilding the Child Care Industry
Presidential candidates should be talking about how they will rebuild the child care industry so parents have safe places for their children when it’s time to go back to work. Urge President Trump and former Vice President Biden to prioritize this issue!