Iowa Association of Christian Schools

The Public Policy Voice of Iowa's Protestant, Christ-Centered Schools.

We are the public policy voice of
Iowa's Protestant, Christ-centered schools.

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

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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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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03/20/2020 Update – The US. Dept. of Education has its COVID-19 resources page up. The state of Iowa now has its own Coronavirus general landing page up with lots of resources.

03/19/2020 – Childcare Resources: COVID-19 DHS Resources Page and the latest DHS childcare-specific guidance page.

03/18/2020 Update – The Iowa Department of Education put out new guidance yesterday dealing with IDEA questions and how they impact AEAs, districts, and nonpublic schools.  Updates from Fisher Phillips law firm on FMLA and paid sick leave changes.

03/16/2020 Update – Governor Reynolds has announced assistance for employees and employers affected by COVID-19 related layoffs. Additionally, the Dept. of Education has released new guidance, including information on distance learning affecting state accredited nonpublic schools.

3/15/2020 Update 2 – The Governor has released a statement and video encouraging Iowa schools to close for four weeks to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa. IACS is working with member schools to help determine the next steps. Public Health has released a statement too. Here is the latest Dept. of Ed. guidance.

3/15/2020 Update – “Community Spread” confirmed in Iowa. The IDPH has released further guidance based on this new development. The Iowa Legislature is now suspended for 30 days. We are not sure how this will affect the current status of bills or the schedule moving forward. Additional school districts are extending Spring Break but no new guidance is available. Check back here frequently!

3/13/2020 Update – The CDC released guidance on considerations for school closures. The Iowa Department of Education also released guidance on coronavirus for PK-12 this afternoon.

3/12/2020 Update – The Iowa Department of Public Health has released updated guidance on their website. Also, there is a specific guidance document for schools released today.

Many educators and parents are wondering how the recent outbreak(s) of COVID-19 affect Iowa’s schools and students. Although risk in Iowa is currently low, there are many things we can be doing to minimize risk and add to preparedness. There are many resources available online. We suggest sticking to trusted, verifiable sources when researching COVID-19 and planning your response. Below is a list of resources from State and Federal organizations.

Iowa Department of Public Health – Emerging Health Issues (Novel Coronavirus): Includes updates on Iowa cases and a “For Schools” section.

We have another post devoted to Centers For Disease Control links that may impact or have helpful information for your school.

Please let IACS know if you have questions or we can help track down information for you.

Make Your Voice Heard On K-12 Nonpublic Education Cuts!

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Although it is a tough budget year for the State of Iowa and many interest groups are asking for increased resources, we have heard time and again this year that “K-12 education will be held harmless.”  We laid significant groundwork for tax credit and education savings account legislation moving forward.

Despite this, funding of transportation services for nonpublic school students is facing a cut in SSB 1198.  The budget bill is being considered by the Iowa legislature this week. The funding was cut $278,000 in this current fiscal year.  Next year’s budget continues cutting nonpublic school transportation funding for a total cut of $363,000. This is unacceptable.

Please use our action alert to contact your Representative and Senator today and ask them to support nonpublic schools by truly “holding K-12 harmless.”

Our March Newsletter Is Out!

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Our IACS March 2017 Newsletter is out.  Please click the link to download the PDF.

Member schools: please share with your parents, teachers, staff, and supporters.   Thank you!

IACS September Newsletter

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Our latest newsletter is out!  You can download it here (PDF)!

Inside are details on next week’s Iowa ACE School Choice Summit, our Annual Meeting coming up next month, and some other updates and miscellany we think you need to know!