Coronavirus: Child Care Resources

March 28, 2020

Traducción Española

Upcoming Webinars

  • Friday, April 3
    10:15 to 11:15 am (AKST)
    State’s Response to COVID-19 and Child
    Care – Part 1 (Child Care Aware of America). FREE – RSVP Here

thread Services (as of March 17)

thread’s offices are physically closed, but we are open for business and providing all services via telephone and/or through distance
delivery.

  • Training — When possible, training content will be offered/delivered through distance education delivery. If you have recently registered
    for training you will receive information from thread notifying you of the training status. Watch training calendar for updates.
  • On-site Services — Training and/or technical assistance will be available through distance delivery methods as possible. Please contact
    your Professional Development Specialist for more information.
  • Travel Reimbursements — thread is discouraging early educator travel during this time. If you have a pending Alaska
    SEED travel request/reimbursement, please contact Alaska SEED by calling 907.265.3194
    or email to discuss your specific needs.

Latest Government Updates

thread is working with the State of Alaska Child Care Program Office and the Municipality of Anchorage Child Care Program Office on the
coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is committed to providing you the latest news and information to help you ensure the health and safety of your
staff, children and families.

Licensing & Regulations

For questions about licensing and regulations:

State of Alaska Child Care Program Office (CCPO) and Child Care Licensing
Child Care Assistance
Municipality of Anchorage

Deciding to Remain Open/ Close

For programs deciding to remain open or close, the following resources can help you consider your options.

Prevention While Open

For child care programs staying open, prevention means staying vigilant about hand hygiene and keeping a close eye on children and staff who are showing signs of illness. These resources provide you with tips for keeping children and staff
healthy.

Food Security

The USDA has extended the use of Alaska’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and school
lunch programs to ensure children affected by child care and school closures can receive a free meal. Families can check with their local school district
to access services in their local area.

Other Local Resources

National Organizations

Aid Packages

National

  • CARES Act: On March 27, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law. This $2
    trillion stimulus package includes $3.5 billion in financial relief for the child care industry. See a summary of the package at NPR.
    Read more on what you need to know about unemployment insurance in the CARES Act.

Alaska

  • Unemployment Law: Earlier this week, Governor Dunleavy signed legislation that expands Alaska’s unemployment benefits. This law waives
    the one week waiting requirement, and ensures unemployment is available for those who are furloughed, laid off, lose work hours, or need to stay
    home to care for children during the COVID-19 outbreak. Apply online here.

Small Business Supports

  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: Programs can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan
    through the SBA. Up to 2 million dollars is available to small businesses to help offset economic damage due to the COVID-19 virus. Allow 14 –
    21 days to fund from date of application. Read more here.
  • Facebook Small Business Grants: Facebook is offering cash grants and ad credits to small businesses to assist with economic disruption
    due to COVID-19. Learn more here.
  • Mat-Su Health Foundation: Offering (COVID-19 prevention and response grants to Mat-Su nonprofit organizations. Learn more here.

Take Action

To help you weather this growing public health and economic crisis, thread is providing you with opportunities to contact your state and
national legislators through our Advocacy Center to tell them what you need during this crisis.

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