Cumberland County understands that parents of school-aged children are struggling to work and provide virtual learning support to their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The County is asking community-based organizations to help find innovative solutions for residents during this unprecedented time.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners allocated $250,000 for organizations to operate virtual learning centers for students in grades K-8. A Request for Proposals in on the County’s website. The submission deadline is Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. The funding is available because of Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars the County received.
“Parents are facing extremely stressful decisions during this pandemic, including whether to go to work or stay home to assist their children in virtual learning,” says Cumberland County Manager Amy Cannon.
In September, the N.C. General Assembly passed House Bill 1105 that allows for community-based organizations to provide remote learning facilities for school age children during the state of emergency. A remote learning facility is defined as “a building or space used to house school-age children during the school year for the purpose of facilitating online or remote learning.”
Requirements and Qualifications
To be eligible for this grant, organizations must:
- provide evidence of demonstrated experience in the provision of structured childcare and/or all-day summer camp for school aged children.
- be a non-profit organization.
- be able to accommodate virtual learning for students in rural and underserved areas of the County.
- provide either an existing remote learning facility agreement with Cumberland County Schools or a Letter of Intent from Cumberland County Schools to enter into an agreement with the organization.
- have published safety protocols, best practices, and environmental protocols in place to prevent, mitigate and resolve the transmission of COVID-19, influenza and/or other viruses and diseases.
- comply with Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit.
- provide proof of broadband connectivity for each proposed location.
Application Process
Visit co.cumberland.nc.us, click on the “Community Organizations Apply Now for Virtual Learning” graphic for instructions on applying for the grant. Applications are due by 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19.
For more information on the CRF funds for community virtual learning centers email cumberlandpurchasing@co.cumberland.nc.us.
Options for Parents
In partnership with NC’s Child Care Resource and Referral system, representatives are available weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist those who need childcare for school-age children.
Call 1-888-600-1685 to be connected to a childcare-referral specialist who can direct you to licensed childcare programs and virtual learning facilities for children through age 12.
Staying Updated
Cumberland County has made it easy for you to stay updated on the latest information about COVID-19. You can visit our COVID-19 webpage, which has a list of COVID-19-related closures and service changes. The county is also sharing important information on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.