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
Online Learning: a Hard New Reality for America’s Kids
Distance learning is hard. But it shouldn’t mean that children are left behind in their education.
SOS: Child Care Providers Need Help!
Child care providers and teachers have been stretched thin over the last few months. Before many more child care centers are forced to close, we must continue to advocate for increased investments toward the child care industry.
#ICYMI: Here’s How We Raised Our Voices for Kids during the Republican National Convention
Advocates across the U.S. spoke up in support of child care during the 2020 Republican National Convention. Here are a few highlights from the week.
Take Action
Send a Message to Congress
Tell Congress and the President: We Must Save Child Care
Voters across the political spectrum support financial relief for the child care industry during the pandemic. Now it’s up to lawmakers to act. Send the petition to Congress and the president today – we must save child care!
Call Congress
Call Your Members of Congress - Save Child Care!
Phone calls to your elected officials are one of the best ways to get your voice heard on issues that you care about. Ask your members of Congress to support child care!
Engage the Media and Your Networks
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View SCAN’s Press Releases
Survey: Voters Support Financial Assistance for America’s Child Care Industry
(April 22, 2020)
Save the Children Action Network Press Release on Covid-19 Pandemic
(March 27, 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.
Prioritize and Expand Access to
Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs (Sept. 22, 2020)
USDA Child Nutrition Waiver
Extensions Letter (June 2, 2020)
Strengthen SNAP in the Next Federal
COVID-19 Relief Package (April 9, 2020)
Recommendations for the CARES Act (April 9, 2020)
Child Care Community Statement (March 27, 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
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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)
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
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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!