We are all dealing with alot of uncertainty, many physical educators and after school programs are facing potential concerns we never thought possible. Luckily, Congress — in working with the U.S. Department of Education — has put a plan in place to help support schools as they navigate through these troubling times.
In conjunction with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Congress set aside approximately $13.2 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund).
It is through this fund, the U.S. Department of Education will award grants to state educational agencies for the purpose of providing local educational agencies (LEAs) with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation.
FUNDING FOR HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Exergame can be included in these ESSER funds in a multitude of ways. Interactive gaming can have a significant impact on our health and physical education programs! A school district that receives funds under this program may use the funds for any of the following that encompass what Exergame Fitness can offer:
- Any activity previously funded through your Every Student Succeeds Act Title funded programs, including Title II and Title IV-A funds, which both support health and physical education.
- Providing mental health services and supports.
- Other activities that are necessary to maintain the operation of and continuity of services in local educational agencies and to continue employing existing staff..
- Activities to address the unique needs of low-income students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth.
- Planning and implementing activities related to summer learning and supplemental after-school programs, including addressing the needs of low-income students, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.
- Purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity) for students who are served by the local educational agency that aids in regular and substantive educational interaction between students and their classroom instructors, including low-income students and students with disabilities, which may include assistive technology or adaptive equipment.
Exergame can try and support any schools or after schools that will be willing to apply for these grants. We can provide some information and templates on how to help.
Please let us know if we can help! Thanks, and may all kids continue to get the physical activity they need!