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
It’s Your Turn: Use Your Voice for Kids!
On the 4rd night of the Save the Children Action Network Advocacy Summit, our experts discussed how to contact your lawmakers and use your voice for kids.
A Pediatric Nurse’s Warning: We Must Protect Children from the Effects of COVID-19
Kelli Wagner is a pediatric nurse, and she’s seen the effect of coronavirus firsthand. She’s also seen the heartbreaking decisions that many parents have made – both at home and abroad – for the sake of their children.
An Investment in Child Care Is an Investment in Our Future. What Are We Waiting For?
On the 3rd night of the Save the Children Action Network Advocacy Summit, our experts discussed how the coronavirus is impacting the child care industry.
Take Action
Send a Message to Congress
Urge Congress Not to Forget Kids’ Needs During the Coronavirus Crisis
We need to make sure Congress continues to prioritize the needs of our littlest learners by prioritizing their access to child care while their parents work. Send a message to your members of Congress today – prioritize kids as we address the coronavirus pandemic!
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
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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)
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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)
Resources for Small Businesses
Child care teachers and workers provide a vital service, but have been badly hit during the pandemic.
Many need financial support right now to ensure that they will be able to reopen their doors when the crisis is over.
To assist those who need it, below are some resources about small business loans, specifically for the child care industry.
Find your local or state CCR&R
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Overview of Program and Eligibility
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Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
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Sample Application Form
(Includes the information needed to apply)
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Information about loans available at local banks and credit unions
Protect Vulnerable Children
The Effect of COVID-19 on Children
A Pediatric Nurse’s Warning: We Must Protect Children from the Effects of COVID-19
Kelli Wagner is a pediatric nurse, and she’s seen the effect of coronavirus firsthand. She’s also seen the heartbreaking decisions that many parents have made – both at home and abroad – for the sake of their children.
In the News: Asylum in the Time of COVID-19
To make reading the news a bit easier, SCAN’s communications manager has compiled a list of must-read articles about children seeking asylum in the time of COVID-19.
Take Action
Protect Vulnerable Children
Help Alleviate the Impact of Coronavirus on the Most Vulnerable Children
We can’t allow coronavirus to further devastate the lives of millions of vulnerable children around the world, including children living in refugee camps. Ask your member of Congress to fund humanitarian relief efforts today!
Help Children Seeking Asylum
Speak Out Against Violations of the Rights of Children Seeking Safety in the U.S.
As the Trump administration seeks to protect our public health during the coronavirus pandemic, we must also protect the lives of vulnerable children seeking asylum in the U.S.
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
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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)
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)
Expulsions of Unaccompanied Children (April 9, 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
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Preparing Your Question for a Tele-Townhall or Virtual Event
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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!