Inner Explorer's Alignment with Federal COVID Relief Funding Criteria

Good News: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Federal COVID Relief Education Funds

To assist schools in navigating the aftermath of the pandemic, the federal government is providing $190.5 billion in relief funding for elementary and secondary schools. A portion of this funding can be used for Mindfulness Based Social Emotional Learning programs, such as Inner Explorer. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a chart to better understand how Inner Explorer aligns with these federal funding initiatives.

MBSEL/SEL with Existing Funds Unique Needs Educational Technology Purchases Mental Health Summer Learning & Afterschool Programs Learning Loss Encumber Spend
CARES* (ESSER* I) 18003(d)(1) 18003(d)(4) 18003(d)(9) 18003(d)(10) 18003(d)(11) N/A Sept 30, 2022 Sept 30, 2023
CRRSA* (ESSER* II) 1313(d)(f) 313(d)(4) 313(d)(9) 313(d)(10) 313(d)(11) 313(d)(13) Sept 30, 2022 Sept 30, 2023
ARP* (ESSER III) 2001(e)(2)(A)-(D) 2001(e)(2)(F) 2001(e)(2)(K) 2001(e)(2)(L) 2001(e)(2)(M) 2001(e)(2)(O) Sept 30, 2023 Sept 30, 2024
Details
If you are already using federal funding from one of these sources for MBSEL/SEL programs, it qualifies under ESSER funding: Any activities authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, IDEA, Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, and Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. Activities that address the unique needs of low-income children or students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youths, including how outreach and service delivery will meet the needs of each population. Educational technology purchases (hardware, software, and connectivity) for students served by the local education agency that aids in regular, substantive educational interaction between students and educators, including low-income students and students with disabilities. Providing mental health services and supports. Summer learning and supplemental after school program activities, including online learning during the summer months and addressing the needs of low-income students, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care. Activities to address learning loss among all students in all subgroups, including by:
a) Implementing evidence-based activities to meet the comprehensive needs of students.
b) Providing information and assistance to parents and families on ways to support students.
c) Tracking student performance and engagement in distance learning environments.

*ESSER - Elementary and Secondary Emergency Education Relief (ESSER) funding through the U.S. Department of Education

*CARES - Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act - enacted March 2020 (ESSER I) $13+ billion

*CRRSA - Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, 2021 - enacted December 2020 (ESSER II) $54+ billion

*ARP - American Rescue Plan (ARP) - enacted March 2021 (ESSER III) $122+ billion

Source: https://districtadministration.com/side-by-side-esser-esser-ii-and-arp-esser-allowable-activities/