Check this page frequently for Wayfinder’s latest updates related to COVID-19. Page last updated February 25, 2022
See our updated visitor policy here.
Special Education School, Hatlen Center, Davidson Program for Independence and Transition Services
- These programs are back in-person, with a virtual option still available for all participants.
Assistive Technology and Employment Services
- These programs are being offered in hybrid format. Some students are attending in person, while others remain virtual.
Early Intervention
- Early intervention sessions are being offered in person and via video conferencing and phone calls, depending on the family’s specific circumstances.
Recreation
- The Camp Bloomfield experience is being offered in person this summer. Learn more here.
Community Mental Health and Foster Care and Adoptions
- Providing both in-person and virtual services using a Telehealth model.
Residential Programs and Medical Services
- Our residential programs have continued without interruption.
- Visitors are now allowed at our residential facilities, campus and offices but must have prior approval, follow safety protocols and wear a mask at all times.
- At all locations, staff or approved visitors must answer a health questionnaire and have their temperature checked on a daily basis. Residents are also receiving a temperature screen twice daily.
- We have created a comprehensive isolation plan in case a resident is diagnosed or displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19. This plan includes designated staff and several alternate locations for isolation as needed.
Wayfinder’s Response to the COVID-19 Crisis (updated July 20, 2020)
Important information on our main campus in Los Angeles:
Reception desk hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All persons entering the premises must answer a health questionnaire, receive a temperature check, maintain social distancing and wear a face covering at all times.
Special Education School, Hatlen Center, Davidson Program for Independence and Transition Services
- We have implemented distance learning online, offering classroom instruction and support virtually to our students and families. This includes small group classes and one-on-one sessions for additional services such as orientation & mobility, occupational and speech therapy.
- Staff are conducting distance learning services from home in adherence to the Governor’s Safer at Home order.
- Staff whose roles to do not allow for a distance learning model are providing support in other program areas during this time.
- We’ve launched #WayfinderClassroom on social media to share resources our special education teachers have developed for families.
- A message for our Special Education School Families
Early Intervention
- Early intervention sessions are now offered via video conferencing and phone calls.
- Staff are also supporting families in accessing resources such as in-home activities to facilitate with their children.
Recreation
- We are working with Angel City Sports to develop virtual activities for athletes and their families.
- We are developing options for Camp Bloomfield to keep campers engaged with us throughout the summer.
- A message about Camp Bloomfield 2020
Community Mental Health and Foster Care and Adoptions
- Providing most services using a Telehealth model.
- Staff have assisted families in accessing resources to keep children engaged and to participate in virtual visits, such as free internet, and mobile devices.
- We are still available to respond to families in person when necessary for example: when facilitating a foster youth joining a resource family for the first time, or when a client is experiencing a mental health crisis. When responding to our families in person staff are following these guidelines:
- Asking health screening questions prior to meeting with a family in person
- Prior to the meeting, obtaining as much information as possible via phone, so that the in-person meeting can be brief.
- If weather/time of day permits: meeting with the family outside
- Wearing face masks and other personal protective equipment such as gloves.
- Using hand sanitizer immediately before and immediately following an in-person visit.
- Practicing social distancing during the in-person visit
Residential Programs (The Cottage, Group Homes) and Medical Services
- Our residential programs have continued without interruption.
- We required all staff to immediately take a refresher training course in Universal Precautions.
- We increased maintenance staffing in order to sanitize high traffic areas and surfaces with heightened frequency.
- We immediately obtained extra cleaning and sanitation supplies.
- We installed extra hand sanitizing locations at all of our locations.
- We have reviewed and supplemented our emergency supplies, including food.
- We have carefully analyzed our staffing needs during this time to prepare for staff being impacted by underlying health issues, school closures, etc. and are prepared to reassign non-operational staff to critical roles if the need arises.
- Visitors are not allowed at our residential facilities, campus and offices with the exception of representatives from licensing bodies and regulatory partners. All other visits are now remote.
- Our nursing department has given advanced training on caring for a resident in isolation in preparation for an isolation scenario.
- All staff have been provided with personal protective equipment, including masks. Wearing a mask is mandatory at all locations.
- At all locations, staff or approved visitors must answer a health questionnaire and have their temperature checked on a daily basis. Residents are also receiving a temperature screen twice daily.
- We have created a comprehensive isolation plan in case a resident is diagnosed or displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19. This plan includes designated staff and several alternate locations for isolation as needed.
- A message for our Group Home Families
April 5, 2020
While our programs remain open, we have canceled all special events and in-person trainings until further notice. We are providing remote services when possible in all of our programs.
At Wayfinder, the safety and wellbeing of our children, youth and families – and their loved ones – are our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation through trustworthy sources such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Our unwavering commitment to our children and families remains unchanged. We are working closely with staff and families to ensure that they are taking precautionary health measures, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and staying home when sick.
On March 19th, Los Angeles County (and several other surrounding counties) ordered the closure of all “Nonessential Businesses” in an attempt to stem the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19. The order is called the “Safer at Home Order for Control of COVID-19” and is effective from 11:59 p.m. tonight through April 19, 2020. “Essential Businesses” may remain open – Wayfinder is an “Essential Business (Businesses that provide food, shelter and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, disabled persons and children.
We have restricted visits to our offices to only essential staff and vendors. Please reach out to the specific office you’d like to visit, to ensure that we can assist you over the phone.
Thank you for helping us face this challenge together with a spirit of compassion, generosity, and above all, service to our children, youth and families.
March 13, 2020