Navigating Supports Through COVID-19
Santa Clarita & California Spectrum Care - Moving Forward Together
In recent weeks many ordinances have been put in place in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. During times like these, if there has ever been anything similar, it can be challenging for an organization like California Spectrum Care (CSC) to define its best role in the community. Adding to that challenge is a new set of circumstances or the changing of guidelines on a near daily basis. When it had become clear that COVID-19 was in fact a threat to our community, CSC began to modify its operations and monitor the guidelines being put into place. As time progressed, the Governor of California and the Mayor of Los Angeles eventually declared the stay-at-home order. The board of directors and the executive leadership team decided it was best to follow these guidelines until further information could be retrieved from governing state agencies. Within days after making this decision, CSC was notified that its services are essential to members of the community. Taking into consideration that over 60 families rely on our services and over 40 employees rely on those services remaining in operation, a new plan had to be considered. Before detailing the plan to move forward to serve individuals who absolutely need our services during this time of unprecedented uncertainty, we would like to state our purpose of remaining open:
CSC is a team of not only clinicians, specialists, and executives; it is also a team of community members. Our clients and the individuals who support them are your next-door neighbors, friends, friends of friends, and so on. We are all connected in some way and, in the spirit of unity, now is the time to acknowledge that we are all here for each other. There are families in the community who do not have the means to support their loved ones on a daily basis, which is a common reason for them to seek out services like ours in the first place. Whether it is due to financial hardship or other challenges, it is unrealistic and inconsiderate to remove the supports so many families rely on in a time of absolute need. At this time, our role will be to remain open for those who need assistance in caring for their loved ones. Both the G.R.O.W. Program and AST Services will remain to operate on a modified level that ensures safety for everyone involved. Below are some of the steps we are taking to remain open and safe through the COVID-19 pandemic for each of our programs.
The G.R.O.W. Program
Operations & Daily Program Functions
The leadership team has taken every precaution to ensure that our programming and safety standards remain at the highest level possible. Our curriculum is being adapted to a facility-based model until governing agencies approve community-based services to return to normal operations. Program times have and will remain the same for the foreseeable future. Transportation services will also continue as long as health and safety standards can remain in place. A one-to-one ratio will continue to be upheld per company standard.
Staff & Client Health Screenings
Everyday staff members and clients are screened to ensure they are remaining healthy and free of symptoms possibly related to COVID-19. Upon pick-up, staff members speak with family members and/or the client to ensure they are symptom free. Throughout the workday, specific health standards are enforced:
All staff members must wear face masks
Clients who are able to wear face masks will be asked to
No food sharing is allowed
Essential items brought from home must be kept in the clients locker or on their person
Only medically cleared and trained personnel are allowed in to the facility
Meetings & Administrational Functions
The main office of California Spectrum Care will not be accepting visitations. All scheduled meetings, including IPP’s, MAPs, and routine parent conferences will be done over mobile and virtual platforms. At this time, specific team members are working from home. There is no need to come to the main office unless you have approval. If you are concerned or have questions about a possible future meeting, please feel to contact us!
Facility Health and Safety Standards
A designated cleaner is on staff at all times
The designated cleaner routinely cleans high traffic areas such as learning spaces and bathrooms as well any equipment used by clients
Clients do not share materials or tools. Clients are assigned their own tools they may need throughout the day (pens, paint brushes, sports equipment)
Any items that may need to be shared are disinfected with germicidal bleach and other types of cleaners before and after each use to ensure no risk of cross contamination
Client workstations are assigned and never change. If for any reason a client needs to switch to a new work station, the desk, chairs, and any surrounding items or spaces are thoroughly sanitized.
Workstations are a minimum of 6 feet apart
No more than 10 people are allowed in one working space
Clients and staff follow a routine schedule each day that designates time for hand washing
Our facility is equipped with multiple high quality air filters
Training & Education
Returning staff are required to attend a COVID-19 program adjustment training and pass a baseline medical screening before they can report for work. This training covers detailed procedures and the ethics of maintaining CDC and public health guidelines (such as social distancing and limiting non-essential travel) in their personal life.
A Path Back To Enrollment
Currently, clients are not being asked to return to program. Your enrollment will not be suspended due to your concerns related to COVID-19. However, if you feel that our service is essential to you and/or your family, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to provide you support. Clients and staff members will be authorized to return on a basis predicated on availability, space, safety, and staffing needs. As we create Telehealth services for G.R.O.W. we will contact families to offer enrollment opportunities systematically.