COVID Relief Funding and Crick Software

In addition to the CARES Act funding approved in March 2020 and December’s Covid-19 relief package, the recently announced American Rescue Plan includes a further $168 billion for both K-12 and higher education. The U.S. Department of Education have allocated $126 billion as ESSER funds (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief), for distribution to elementary and secondary schools through the federal Title I formula. Once states receive the money (which must be spent by September 2023), at least 90% of those funds will be distributed to districts.


What Can It Be Used For?

As with the previous rounds of Covid-19 relief aid, the latest measure allows for a broad range of uses for dollars to stabilize schools. Districts can essentially use it for any activity allowed under other federal laws for education, including those for students with disabilities and those who are homeless. At least 20% of funds must be used to address learning loss through evidence-based interventions that respond to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Specific mentions of assistive technology include:

  1. Addressing student learning loss through evidence-based approaches, which may include assessments and distance learning equipment and resources.

  2. 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.

  3. Conducting activities to address the needs of students from low-income families, children with  disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth.

To receive funding, states must provide at least as much funding for K–12 and higher education in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 as a proportion of the state’s overall spending (averaged over fiscal years 2017, 2018, and 2019).


How will our software support your learners?

School budgets may be tighter than ever before but, shockingly, billions of dollars of CARES Act Funding went completely unused last year. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by - we can help you to support those students who need it the most and ensure that they don’t fall further behind.

  • Child-friendly word processing support that will enable students of all abilities to work more independently. Choose Clicker for elementary schools and DocsPlus for middle/high schools.
  • Specifically designed to address the unique needs of students with disabilities, English language learners and reluctant readers and writers.
  • Built-in access to thousands of engaging ready-made resources on a wide range of curriculum topics.
  • Can be used on and offline with easy sharing and saving options.
  • Accessible on Windows, Mac, iPad and Chromebook devices.
  • Find out more about how our software can support your learners here. We've put together a funding document for you to use too here: ARP Funding document.
“I am amazed how much written work he can actually produce using this program! He point-blank refuses to pick up a pencil for words otherwise! Thank you!”
“Clicker from Crick Software is probably the most friendly and engaging way to kickstart and improve literacy skills, and work on speech.”

To talk to us about how we can help you to support and engage your learners during this difficult time and beyond, please call 203 221 2697, email usinfo@cricksoft.com or complete the form below.