FAQs
Covid-19 Information and Guidelines
At Easterseals Central California we are dedicated to the safety of our staff and clients. In response to the growing COVID-19 concerns, we have turned to the Fresno County Department of Public Health, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, the State of California and the CDC for guidance about essential workers.
What is Easterseals response to Covid-19?
- Daily health screenings with staff and families
- Available PPE, may be replenished as needed
- Staff training on all Covid-19 protocols such as handwashing and disinfecting
- Cancellation of services upon any illness from either party
- Telehealth services or parent training only are an option to decrease in-person contact
What protocols are in place to ensure my family’s health and safety?
Our Direct Service Staff are to deliver ABA therapy while practicing precautionary and safety measures to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading Covid-19. All Easterseals staff members are to administer a Covid-19 self-screening prior to face-to-face session, as well as temperature checks when entering our center. Staff members are required to sanitize session materials, disinfect workspaces, communicate with their families, and self-report any illness to a supervisory staff member.
Adequate supplies such as hand sanitizer, tissues, disinfectant wipes, disposable gloves, and face masks are available and may be replenished at our centers for staff members and the families we serve.
How have staff been trained to deliver in-person services safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In addition to verbal health screenings and enhanced cleaning practices, staff members must communicate with the families they work with to distinguish each party’s responsibility during a session.
What happens if a staff person has had direct exposure with someone that tested positive for COVID-19?
Direct exposure is defined as someone who has had close contact (< 6 feet) for ≥15 minutes with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 up to 2 days before the person tested positive.
Staff can work remotely unless symptoms prevent it (then accrued sick time or other leave may be considered). All direct client contact or in-office work must cease. Staff member in question must provide proof of negative test before returning to in-person or in-office work.
What happens if a staff member is ill?
Any staff who develop fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately self-isolate and contact their established point of contact (e.g., occupational health program) to arrange for medical evaluation and/or testing.
If symptoms are not consistent with those of Covid-19, staff members are to be symptom free for 48 hours before returning to work.
What happens if a client or a client’s family member is ill?
Every member of the house must be symptom free for 48 hours before a staff member can enter the home.
What happens if a client or a client’s family member has contracted COVID-19?
Easterseals will pause services and communicate with the family to determine when it is safe to resume sessions.
I am uncomfortable with an Easterseals staff person working in my home. What other options are available?
If you are uncomfortable with in-person services, please talk to your Case Manager or Program Supervisor to discuss telehealth and parent training options. Telehealth services are delivered via Zoom by our behavior technicians and supervisory staff members.