Information on COVID-19

The following federal COVID-19 legislation includes funding to help schools and libraries respond to the pandemic and its effects on students and communities:

• The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, provides funds to help LEAs respond to changes in student needs due to COVID-19. It includes the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER I) and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER I) programs.

• The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act provides additional money for schools and libraries and includes ESSER II (an expansion of ESSER I) and a new Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS) program.

• The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act includes ESSER III and an expansion of EANS, as well as additional funds to support digital access, libraries, students with disabilities, and students experiencing homelessness. Education funds focus on addressing learning loss and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on particular populations.

Resources:

• Federal Stimulus Relief Funding FAQ (Google doc)

• Chart comparing the usage of funds for ESSER I, II, and III (Google doc)

• ESSER I, II, and III Allowed Costs (Google doc)

The Pathways to Licensing web page and the Latest Licensing News provide the most up-to-date information regarding licensing flexibilities. 

The Wisconsin School and Community Nutrition Teams created a Child Nutrition Program COVID-19 Information Website to help School Food Authorities and participating Agencies navigate serving meals during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

For information related to special education and the public health emergency please visit the Special Education Team’s COVID-19 webpage.

• COVID-19 Special Education Question and Answer Document
• Teleservice Considerations for Related Services during the Current Public Health Emergency

The COVID-19 Information for School Health Services web page provides COVID-19 information relevant to school nurses, school healthcare professionals, school administrators, and school staff as they navigate and practice infection control and mitigation measures during the current school year.

School Staff Communications

• Overview of COVID-19 Module
• DHS Letter to Wisconsin School Administrators (May 18, 2021)
• DHS Letter to Wisconsin School Administrators (May 11, 2021)
• COVID-19 Testing Support for K-12 Schools

Family Communications

• Department of Health Services (DHS) - COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Guardians
• Autism and the Coronavirus: Resources for Families
• COVID-19: Information for Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

• Preparing for In-Person Learning: A COVID-19 Checklist for Parents