Schools have most of the necessary tools, resources, and staff to reopen safely and meet students’ needs. However, many after-school programs face different circumstances, and they will need additional support as they reopen after COVID-19 closures. With the help of parents, community leaders, government, partnering schools, and other stakeholders, programs can continue delivering high-quality learning opportunities to their students.

As schools have begun reopening in the fall, after-school programs are also reopening to offer engaging learning opportunities for students. Both schools and after-school programs have many of the same considerations:

• Will there be remote learning or a hybrid approach?
• What protocols and equipment are needed to keep children safe?
• What skills and resources do staff need to deliver virtual programs?
• How can staff best support students during a global crisis?

Schools have most of the necessary tools, resources, and staff to reopen safely and meet students’ needs. However, many after-school programs face different circumstances, and they will need additional support as they reopen after COVID-19 closures. With the help of parents, community leaders, government, partnering schools, and other stakeholders, programs can continue delivering high-quality learning opportunities to their students.

The Value of After-School Programs during COVID-19

There’s no question that after-school programs and their staff are critical parts of COVID-19 recovery. Nationwide, more than 10 million school-age (K–12) youth rely on after-school and summer learning programs for a safe space to grow, explore, and engage in learning. According to the Afterschool Alliance, programs have continued to offer virtual programming (78 percent), provide meals to families (37 percent), and remain open to serve children of essential workers (16 percent) despite closures.

Students will continue to need additional support for their academic growth. Similar to summer learning loss, they will likely experience the “COVID-19 slide,” which researchers predict will have a major impact on academics, especially in math.

While schools will carry most of the burden, after-school programs can help bridge the gap by providing opportunities for authentic learning, social-emotional development, STEM education, physical activity, and much more.

4 Simple Ways to Support After-School Programs during the Pandemic

As after-school programs prepare for the future of learning, they will have to undergo critical shifts to successfully emerge from this crisis. To do this, programs—and especially the staff—will need your support. Here are a few simple ways to support your local after-school programs as they continue to serve students and their families.

1.     Be flexible.

As we all adjust to the “new normal,” there will likely be significant changes to the way after-school programs work. For example, they may provide remote learning opportunities, change the program schedule, or even limit in-person participation to comply with social-distancing guidelines. Once an initial reopening plan is in place, there still may be ongoing changes to maintain everyone’s safety. In the event of changes, flexibility is key in helping after-school programs find the most effective solutions to remain safe.

2.     Donate supplies.

For after-school programs offering in-person learning, it’s important to have essential supplies on hand to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies. However, these supplies are limited and not widely available for purchase.

When possible, donate extra supplies to your local after-school programs. In choosing cleaning supplies to donate, consider products that meet EPA disinfection criteria to ensure proper sanitation and disinfection. PPE may include aprons, gloves, masks, goggles, or visors. Other supplies that are helpful include soap, hand sanitizer, tissues, and disinfectant wipes.

Many programs will have a limited budget when they reopen. Donating these essential items will help them keep students and staff safe and protected from COVID-19 and other illnesses.

3.     Take action.

Even though after-school programs are adapting to the recent challenges, many are still in jeopardy. According to the Afterschool Alliance, as many as three in four programs will close due to lack of funding.

You can help them secure federal funding by being an advocate for after-school. Contact Congress and your local policymakers to help them understand that after-school programs are one of the keys to recovery. But emphasize that these programs can’t help without additional funds that allow for smaller staff-to-child ratios, expanded hours, PPE, and access to additional space. By adding your voice to the conversation, you can help ensure programs reopen with the resources they need to provide a safe and healthy environment for students.

4.     Show compassion.

“In every crisis, doubt, or confusion, take the higher path—the path of compassion, courage, understanding, and love.”

—Amit Ray, author

This is a challenging time for everyone, including program leaders and staff. Mistakes will happen, emotions may run high, and miscommunication can occur. When issues arise, try your best to show compassion and grace for after-school staff. This will not only help to relieve tension and mitigate the issue. But it can also help you build meaningful relationships that create a positive experience for you, the staff, and the students.

Reopening in a safe and effective way won’t be easy. But with parents, communities, and other allies rallying behind them, after-school programs can continue to provide quality programming and serve students and their families in the midst of the pandemic.