For Immediate Release
Easterseals Arkansas Announces Phase I Plans for Reopening Closed Programs
May 26, 2020
Media Contact:
Jillian Jacuzzi
jjacuzzi@eastersealsar.com
501-227-3702
President & CEO Ron Ekstrand gives a reopening message
LITTLE ROCK and STUTTGART – At Easterseals Arkansas, we are excited to begin our phased approach to reopening our closed programs in Little Rock and Stuttgart. These include our developmental preschool in Little Rock, the Grand Prairie Child Development Center in Stuttgart, and the adult day program, the Center for Training & Wellness, in Little Rock. Based on what we know about community COVID-19 trends, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and current family readiness, Phase 1 of reopening is targeted for Monday, June 1.
Easterseals is ready to begin the reopening process and welcome back the children and adults who benefit from our services. However, our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our staff and the individuals we serve. Our staff is returning to work to prepare for our reopening and plan for the following measures we have put in place:
- Staff Training – Our staff will be trained on increased daily cleaning protocols and on the appropriate usage of required PPE.
- PPE - We will provide masks, gloves, and any other PPE that is needed to adhere to the health and safety guidelines from the CDC, Governor, ADH, and AHCA.
- Daily Screening – Anyone entering the building (including staff, individuals served, parents/guardians, and visitors) will have their temperature taken and will need to answer screening questions.
- Social Distancing – We will be following social distancing guidelines as much as possible in each program by keeping group sizes to 10 or less. Groups will remain separate for the entire day, which will result in changes in lunch procedures, therapy services, and leisure activities.
- Daily Cleaning – Service Professionals will be sterilizing all high-touch areas each night and will come in one week prior to reopening to do a deep cleaning.
- Hand-Sanitizer Stations – Stations are being installed throughout the facilities – outside of each classroom, therapy treatment room, breakroom, and at each entrance.
Easterseals Arkansas is constantly adapting to continue meeting the needs of our children and adults with disabilities.
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Easterseals Arkansas provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. Easterseals Arkansas has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 75 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easterseals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
