Communication in a Pandemic – Reopening and Operating Under COVID-19 Sylvia Kennedy-Godin May 26, 2020

As early care and learning centers reopen, it will be important for these organizations to communicate with several audiences. The Vermont Community Loan Fund, in partnership with the VT Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance and Elise Annes of Momentum Communications, will host a two-part series on how to communicate externally and internally about reopening. Thinking ahead about external and internal communication, and creating a plan, will help with a more effective reopening. The object of the sessions is to be supportive of the important work of the centers, and not over-burden the small staff and community. These sessions will include opportunities for participant engagement. Session One: As Vermont shifts to recovery, families are still searching for sure footing in unpredictable, and constantly evolving, circumstances. Your transparent, timely and clear communication will provide assurances and reduce the potential chaos and stress for both the families and your staff. This session will provide specific and concrete suggestions of how to approach communications with external stakeholders. This includes creating a simple, organized plan, critical messages (and tone) you will need to deliver, and techniques for how and where to communicate. Session Two: The second workshop will provide specific and concrete suggestions for internal communications. This includes a plan for clear expectations, so your staff has understanding and comfort with the new health and safety guidelines. There are some techniques that your center can put in place that will create a stable and positive internal culture. Regular communication, and these techniques, will give your staff confidence in the new normal.