The READ Center continues to take every necessary precaution to ensure that staff, students, and supporters remain safe from COVID-19. READ’s priority is the health of everyone involved in the organization, and we actively monitor official recommendations from the CDC, WHO, and other leading health organizations to make informed decisions about READ Center activities.
The READ Center office is open.
READ staff continue to alternate office and remote work days. If you need to come by the office, please call ahead. The office number is 804-288-9930. All visitors must wear a mask in the READ office regardless of vaccination status.
The READ Center has implemented a COVID-19 protocol for in person classes.
The READ Center is offering in person classes. We remain heedful of the evolving COVID-19 situation. To minimize risk, we adhere to strict sanitizing procedures, utilize plexiglass dividers, and require all participants to wear masks. We continue to ask COVID health and quideline questions of all students and tutors. If any student or tutor responds yes to any of the questions, they will be asked to leave the office and follow CDC quidelines for at home testing, possible guarantine or isolation protocols.
We continue to offer online classes to students for whom remote instruction is a better fit.
Use good judgment when meeting one-to-one.
One to one pairs can choose whether or not to meet in person. Most libraries are requiring masks and asking patrons to maintain 6 feet of social distance. This could make it difficult to tutor. Some READ tutors continue to meet weekly over the phone or through Google Meet or Zoom. Some pairs are waiting until it is safer to meet in person. This is an individual decision. Please continue to send in your monthly reports if you are still tutoring during this time.
Student assessments and orientations being held in limited groups on a monthly basis.
The READ Center Program Education staff is working with small groups of prospective students to complete the registration process in person. The number of registration and orientation participants is limited to ensure appropriate social distancing and lessen potential exposure. All participants are required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. To learn more about the assessment process, please call the office at 804-288-9930.
New volunteer tutor orientations, observations, and trainings are being held online.
READ Center tutor training is being conducted virtually. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding. We will continue to update registered volunteers through the Tutor Tribune on the status of orientation and training.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer READ Tutor, please visit our Volunteer Page and complete our online application form. Once we receive your application, we will send you the information for the online orientation/training sessions.
Resources are available for all on READ’s website.
READ’s Resources Page is being constantly monitored and updated with resources during this time. The COVID-19 Community Resources Page features community resources regarding employment, food assistance, and more. Other resources include:
- HELP1RVA – Search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training and more
- Virginia Department of Health – Find out about getting the COVID vaccine
- RVAStrong – Learn about resources available in Richmond
- Virginia Poverty Law Center – See a list of resources and helplines for housing, health, utilities, and more
- Virginia Employment Commission – File for unemployment or contact the unemployment office
- Virginia Rent Relief Program – Learn about and apply for rent relief
What You Can Do:
Stay home if you have tested positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID- 19, are sick or are at high risk of becoming sick.
Students, tutors, and teachers should stay home if they are feeling ill and seek medical attention if they are exhibiting the following signs: fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Call your doctor immediately if you have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19.
READ Center Guidelines for exposure.
Protect yourself.
The Center for Disease Control has released a guide to stay safe and protect yourself from the coronavirus. Make sure you are washing your hands thoroughly, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and take precautions when traveling to prevent spreading the virus.
Protect others.
Even if you are vaccinated, consider wearing a mask for the well-being of those in our community who are unable to get a vaccine due to their health or age.
If you have recently traveled out of the country, please follow CDC guidelines about isolation.
