The Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS) program is designed to provide emergency education services or assistance to non-public schools affected by the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, the California Department of Education will make available federal funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSA). What can EANS funding support financially in school settings?
Despite the current crisis, EANS funding will help ensure that non-public schools can continue providing quality educational opportunities for their students. School administrators can use these funds to meet various needs, such as purchasing supplies, hiring additional personnel, and making technological upgrades. This article provides an overview of how school administrators can use EANS funding.
How Has Covid Changed Schooling?
Schools nationwide have had to adapt to a new normal in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote learning, hybrid models, and social distancing guidelines have become commonplace. These changes have strained school budgets as administrators grapple with providing adequate education services while navigating uncertain circumstances.
Private Vs. Public School With COVID-19
Public schools have used additional funding sources, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). CARES has provided additional funds to public school districts throughout the country.
Unlike public schools, which generally receive government funding, private and preparatory schools rely on tuition payments and donations for operations. As a result, they are often hit harder by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.
Charter schools are not eligible for public school funds, so they have had to rely heavily on their resources for funding. Fortunately, they also qualify for EANS.
What Is EANS?
The Emergency Assistance for Non-public Schools (EANS) program is a federal grant created in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. It supports non-public schools to help them serve students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funding and assistance with emergency educational needs.
How Does EANS Work?
EANS is a competitive grant program, meaning applicants must submit applications to the California Department of Education for consideration. The applications are evaluated based on need and impact and how well they meet the criteria established by the CDE.
Applicants should clearly explain how they will use the funds and what outcomes or benefits will result from the project. A successful application will demonstrate that the funds meet an urgent educational need and provide evidence of how the proposed activities will benefit students meaningfully.
School administrators can use EANS funds to cover various costs related to emergency educational services. These include:
• Purchasing supplies and materials (e.g., textbooks, computers, software)
• Training personnel in health and safety protocols
• Hiring additional staff (teachers, aides, counselors)
• Enhancing existing technology infrastructure (e.g., upgrading internet access, purchasing additional devices)
• Providing support services to students, such as mental health counseling or transportation assistance
• Developing and implementing curricula or programs that promote student success
• Establishing online courses and distance learning technologies
• Offering professional development opportunities for staff
• Purchasing/leasing school buildings or equipment to accommodate special needs students
• Establishing scholarships and grants for students.
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Ready to learn more? School Outlet wants you to know all your options when looking at virtual or hybrid education budgets. Please get in touch with our experts about state or federal funding options.
