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Information on EANS and EANS 2

March 19, 2021 By IACS

We have received many questions about EANS and federal funds in general as a result of COVID-related relief packages.  So much has been done in so many versions over so many months, it is hard to keep track of it all.

EANS money is available now to states as part of the previous recovery act.  A second round of funding (EANS 2) is available with details and applications coming soon as part of the latest COVID-related recovery act, the American Recovery Plan (ARP) signed into law recently by President Biden.  We’ll try to keep the following list updated.

Here are the latest links and resources to help navigate the maze:

US Department of Education
Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS)
EANS Awards
EANS FAQ (March 19, 2021)
Iowa EANS Award Certification and Agreement
American Rescue Plan (ARP) – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief

Iowa Department of Education
Iowa DE EANS Guidance
EANS Application Information (March 31 deadline!)
Spreadsheet with School-Level Allocations

Other Resources
CAPE Summary of original EANS
National Catholic Education Association Guide to EANS
(Member schools may contact us for links to other Iowa-specific guidance and resources)

Second Round of EANS (EANS 2)
We’ll add content to this post or post a new one with more information as it becomes available. The best short summary we have seen is from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
“A second amount of $2.75 billion is available through September 30, 2023, for making allocations to Governors under the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools Program to provide services or assistance to non-public schools that enroll a significant percentage of low-income students and are most impacted by the qualifying emergency. There is a new limitation that funds shall not be used to provide reimbursements to any non-public school. Many of the program specifics are not mentioned in the new language, so guidance is necessary from USDE to confirm how much of the EANS I policy will carryover such as allocations, eligible services, and impact of PPP participation.”

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
As part of the ARP, additional funding may be available for schools receiving equitable services under the IDEA. The ARP provides 2.5 billion in additional funding to states under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for fiscal year 2021. If we receive more details, we’ll post them here.

E-Rate Changes
The ARP provides $7 billion in new funding to address the “homework gap” through E-rate. This fund comes with new services not previously available through E-Rate and funds are available to support not only schools, but also students and staff. All schools are eligible for a 100% discount, rather than the usual tiered discount in E-Rate. Eligible services to address the “homework gap” include Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, devices that combine modems and routers, connected devices (“laptop computer, tablet computer, or similar end-user device that is capable of connecting to advanced telecommunications and information services”), advanced telecommunications and information services. Funds can be used during the COVID Emergency Period and end on the first June 30 that occurs after the date that is one year after the date of the conclusion of the COVID Emergency Period. Funds remain available until September 30, 2030. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will announce the application process in the near future.

Other Articles and Resources
Schumer and a Teachers’ Union Leader Secure Billions for Private Schools – New York Times

Filed Under: News, Issue Update, Preschool, Elementary/Middle, High School Tagged With: Department of Ed, Private Education, COVID-19, EANS, EANS2, Federal Issues

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Iowa’s Christian Schools

March 23, 2020 By IACS

There are many questions and many agencies engaged on the coronavirus pandemic.  We have put all the relevant information on one page.  We’ll update this page as new resources and information is available.  Please contact us with additional questions or resources that should be added.

Articles and Updates:

IACS Page for Distance Learning and School Closure Resources

IACS – Admissions during Covid-19

Return to School Roadmap

Iowa Alliance For Choice In Education COVID-19 Resources Page

Council for the American Private Education – Coronavirus Updates

Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE): COVID-19 Resources

ACSI Coronavirus Resources
(ACSI) Legal & Legislative Coronavirus Resources

Christian Schools International COVID-19 Resources

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Coronavirus Page
(NAIS) Sharing Solutions – Evolving Education in the time of COVID-19
(NAIS) COVID Resources Page

Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod COVID-19 Information

American Enterprise Institute – The Paycheck Protection Program: An Introduction

School Accepting COVID-19 Loans Must Be Aware of Workplace Law Consequences

Alliance Defending Freedom video on CARES Act questions

Iowa 211 Counts


Iowa COVID-19 Resources For K-12 Schools:

Iowa Coronavirus (COVID-19) Main Resource Page

Iowa Governor’s Office-Newsroom

Iowa Department of Education – COVID-19 Page
(IDE Guidance on Concurrent Enrollment
(IDE) Resources to Support Learning During COVID-19
(IDE) Emergency Operations Planning Resources
(IDE) CARES Act Summary – Includes List of Possible Uses (not exhaustive)
(IDE) CARES Act District & Nonpublic Allocations
(IDE) CARES Act – Department Guidance on ESSER Funds
(IDE) Guidance on Summer Learning and Activities – May 20, 2020
(IDE) Guidance on Summer Sports – May 20, 2020
(IDE) Guidance on Use of School Facilities – May 20, 2020
(IDE) Return to Learn Support

Iowa Department of Public Health – COVID-19 Page

Iowa Department of Human Services – COVID-19 Page

Iowa Economic Development – COVID-19 Page and Links to Multiple Grant and Loan Programs

Iowa Small Business Development Centers – COVID-19 Page

Secretary of State – Remote Notary Services Now In Effect

Iowa Legislature

Legislative Services Agency (LSA) – COVID-19 Impact on States’ Schools Map
(LSA) – Workforce and Labor Issues
(LSA) – State of Iowa and Federal Response to COVID-19 – Taxation


Resources For Childcare Facilities:

Iowa Department of Public Health Childcare Guidance

Iowa DHS Childcare Availability Map


Federal COVID-19 Resources for K-12 Schools:

White House / CDC Main Coronavirus Page

Centers For Disease Control (CDC)
(CDC) Preparing for a Safe Return to School

U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 “Coronavirus” Information and Resources
(USDE) Updated CARES Act Programs Guidance! (Oct 9, 2020)
(USDE) Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund Page
(USDE) CARES Act Equitable Services FAQ

Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance Page
(SBA) Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
(SBA) PPP Loan Interim Rules
(SBA) PPP Loan FAQs for faith-based organizations

IRS: Employee Retention Credit

Healthdata.org projections and data on COVID-19 hospital use and deaths over time

 

We cannot guarantee the accuracy or the validity of all the facts and details contained within these resources. They are posted for reference and convenience.  
Link does not imply an endorsement of the organization or its stance on any particular subject or issue.

Filed Under: News, Legislative Update, Athletics, Issue Update, Best Practices Tagged With: Department of Ed, website, Proclamation, Iowa, Iowa Legislature, Best Practices, Coronavirus, CDC, Governor Reynolds, Governor, COVID-19, White House, Department of Human Services, Department of Public Health, IDPH, CARES Act, ESSER Funds, IRS, ACSI, CSI, NLSA, LCMS

Free Tools To Help Educators and Students Connect

March 19, 2020 By IACS

With schools, teachers, parents, and students all searching for the best methods to keep in touch and continue relationships and education throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic; we’ll try to update this list regularly as we collect more ideas. The following are free tools to help educators, parents, and students connect with each other and continue learning during this unique time:

Google: Teach From Home – This page helps teachers familiarize and use Google products to help with distance learning strategies

Ed Choice – Free Tools to Help Educators and Students Connect While Social Distancing

AP Central (College Board) – AP Changes and online resources for 2019/2020 school year due to COVID-19 crisis

ACT – COVID-19 Updates

Scholastic Offering Free Online Courses

School Choice Week’s website has a list of resources

California posted good guidance on distance learning

CACE: The Emergency Pivot to Online Teaching and Learning
CACE: Assessing Distance Learning: A Virtual 101

ExcelinEd put out a newsletter with some great resources for online/distance learning

Google’s tips on distance learning

Arizona State University – ASU For You free coursework and resources

Filed Under: News, Issue Update, Best Practices Tagged With: Coronavirus, Online Learning, COVID-19, Distance Learning

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