United Way COVID-19 Response COVID-19 Response: Invisible Problems

Many families* get tax relief for covering the cost of childcare through Dependent Care Flexible Savings Accounts (DCFSAs) which cover eligible expenses like daycare, afterschool care, and summer camp. During open enrollment each year, workers can decide how much to save pre-tax to these accounts based on their expected childcare expenses for the upcoming year. Now that most children are home indefinitely and the economic... more »

CPS decision to not return children to in-seat instruction will lead to a myriad of problems especially for at risk children. Daycare (c osts associated with that) , lack of support for virtual schooling or for children with learning disabilities, increase in depression/anxiety fo children, etc)

The pandemic has heightened demand and reduced availability of affordable local childcare options. Barriers: cost, more limited opening hours, lack of transportation, lack of support to apply for state voucher support (in MA) by traditional school Extended Day program, unclear where there is local availability.

There's simply not enough being done to support our children and family structure during this pandemic. More should and need to be done to support our school age children, especially those who have academic challenges. It's understood that this is a valid concern but little is actually being done to bridge gaps. More needs to be done in supporting family structure. The expectations throughout this pandemic, has been unrealistic... more »