August 2, 2021

Dear Little City Families, Friends & Staff,

As you have undoubtedly heard, the nation has seen an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks. After declining steeply for six months, cases are once again on the rise, primarily due to the delta variant.

Surges are more prevalent in communities where vaccination rates are low. And the CDC is once again urging people to get the vaccine as they say that “this is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

While there have been agencies and companies that have implemented mandatory vaccinations among employees, Little City has decided to not mandate vaccines among staff and participants at the present time for several reasons.

We are fortunate to report that our vulnerable residential population is almost all fully vaccinated at 90%. And while we do not know the exact number of staff who are vaccinated, we do know that more than half of our staff participated in Little City’s on-campus vaccine clinics early this year.

Our hope is that 100% of staff and participants will make the decision to get the vaccine and protect themselves and those around them as the vaccine has not only proven to be safe, but to be effective in preventing infection and serious illness.

Additionally, we are still mandating universal precautions including all staff and visitors in Little City homes and program areas to wear masks and socially distance—regardless of vaccination status, until further notice.

As we have learned early on in the pandemic, this is a rapidly changing situation that we will regularly monitor. We continue to follow guidance from the CDC, and the informed decisions we make are for the health and well-being of our staff and those in our care. Therefore, our policies are subject to change as the recommendations by the CDC evolve. Please stay up to date on Little City’s Covid communications by visiting www.littlecity.org/coronavirus/.

For addition information and updates, and how to protect yourself and your family, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or http://www.dph.illinois.gov/.

We urge all our staff and participants to get the Covid-19 vaccine. If you have the opportunity in your own community to receive the vaccine prior to the Walgreens vaccination dates at Little City, we encourage you to be vaccinated at the earliest date. Reminder to turn in your COVID VAR form by Friday, Feb. 5. 

You can visit the State of Illinois website to view vaccine locations: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location

Yesterday, at Little City’s Palatine campus, marked the day we have been eagerly anticipating for nearly a year – the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine.

With certainly, the pandemic has changed the future way we provide our programs and services, but today’s occasion was by far the biggest step in moving our organization forward. Through Little City’s partnership with Walgreens, the vaccine was successfully administered to 250 residents and staff. It was an incredibly uplifting and emotional day, and we are so grateful for all the support each person was provided. Thank you to all of our staff who ensured that our residents had a positive experience.   

Please be aware that March 17^th will be marked as the day that our residents and staff will receive their second dose of the vaccine. For those that did not get vaccinated and would like to do so, March 17^th will also be available for those who wish to receive their first dose. Please email Theresa Moran, [email protected], for more information. 

We are pleased to share that Little City will have access to a Covid-19 vaccine once it is available, which is anticipated in the coming weeks. We urge our staff and residents to receive the vaccination as it is our first line of defense against this disease that has devastated our community and the world. A safe and effective vaccine gives us the opportunity to end this global crisis. 

We understand that receiving a vaccination is a personal decision and individuals need to take into consideration many factors. Because of this, we are looking to gauge an understanding of resident’s intent on receiving, or not receiving, the COVID-19 vaccine.

Little City will be partnering with Walgreens to be our healthcare partner for COVID-19 vaccine administration. More information will be forthcoming including vaccination dates on campus. Click here you can learn more about the vaccine. 

Please know that we have been persistent and compliant in working with DCFS and IDPH over the course of the past few months in order to make this a reality. We truly appreciate your patience and support, and we are confident that this step forward will bring relief to you and your loved one.

Our highest priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our residents and staff who serve them. With that being said, there will be strict protocol that must be followed in allowing these off-campus visits. Those specific guidelines set forth by DCFS and IDPH will be communicated tomorrow, so please stay-tuned for that forthcoming information.

Again, thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time. We know this day has been awaited with anticipation by all our families, and we will look forward to implementing off-campus visits this weekend.

For addition information and updates, and how to protect yourself and your family, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or http://www.dph.illinois.gov/.

From the Illinois Department of Human Services 

Illinois has a large population of people with disabilities. Recent COVID-19 studies have identified several groups within this population as being at high risk of COVID-19 complications and related fatalities. The purpose of this letter is to clarify that family members of certain people are “health care workers” pursuant to the State of Illinois’ Vaccine Administration Plan (VAP) and thus are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination within Phase 1a.

Those providing “Home Health” or serving as a “Home Aide/Caregiver” for a relative with a disability are included on pages 13-14 of the VAP. These family members include those who care for people with any of the following conditions. This list is not necessarily exhaustive:
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Specialized health care needs, including dependence upon ventilators, oxygen, and other technology

The eligibility of these family members can be ascertained by presenting medical documentation of the qualifying condition of the member of their household who has a disability. We hope this letter clarifies the eligibility of certain family members as “health care workers” for the COVID-19 vaccine pursuant to the VAP, and thereby assists in protecting the health of Illinoisans most at risk from COVID-19 impacts. See Letter. 

As some states and communities begin lifting COVID restrictions, we want to reiterate our approach to our families and be clear that Little City is not eliminating any of our COVID-19 safety practices at this time, including our current policy on family visitations.

We are encouraged that to date well over 300 staff and residents have received at least their first dose of the vaccine. This is reason for celebration, but not a time to let our guard down. At this time, the data still remains unclear if one who is vaccinated would transmit the virus to someone who is not vaccinated.

The health and safety of our residents and families is always our priority. Throughout this pandemic we have closely followed the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). We will continue to follow their direction and will not be making any changes until their guidance indicates it is safe to do so.

Although we have seen the State ease its restrictions in recent weeks, at this time there are no significant changes in guidance from the above agencies regarding congregate care setting visitation. 

With that being said, Little City’s policy for family visitation includes:

•         Outdoor visits allowed, weather permitting

•         Options for off-campus home visits

•         Visitation indoors in the Little City gymnasium

We are continuing to hold-off on family visitations occurring inside any of our group homes. 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to safely adapt to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Should anything change, we will be sure to contact you. We are thankful for the trust you place in us to provide your loved one with a safe, nurturing and loving environment.

For addition information and updates, and how to protect yourself and your family, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or http://www.dph.illinois.gov/.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) notified agencies that Long-Term Care and Congregate Living Facilities, as Little City is classified, are permitted to allow visitation for residents when certain conditions are met. Based on the requirements provided we are finalizing details to allow visits with loved ones as quickly as possible. Please note, at this time, authorization has not been given for off-site visitations.

The specific conditions will include that visitations must be held outdoors, visitors will be screened, safety precautions will be in place and visits must be scheduled in advance. Additional criteria and the process Little City will abide by will be communicated later in the week.

Our number one priority continues to be the protection and health of those in our care.  We thank you for your continued support, and for your understanding and patience during these past few months.

Guidelines 

The past few months have been some of the most difficult ever experienced for people at Little City, in our communities and throughout the world. This unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us physically, mentally and emotionally for a length of time longer than we anticipated. And as you know, Gov. Pritzker has now extended Illinois’ mandatory Shelter in Place through May 30th.

Little City, an essential Human Service Organization will continue to remain open. However, certain services that Little City provides will continue to be suspended through May 30th, unless extended closure by the state is instructed.

Affected services that Little City provides includes:

Community Day Services: (all Lakeside and Countryside services, and Palatine Campus services including the Center for the Arts, Horticulture, Fitness & Recreation, Employee Development Services, etc.) which will be suspended through May 30th.

Residential Program: Individuals who are currently residing at Little City must remain at Little City through May 30th. Additionally, in-person visits to our homes will not be permitted through May 30th. If you currently have your loved one home with you, or should you choose to pick up your loved one to stay with you at home, please be aware that they may not return to Little City until after May 30th. Once they return to Little City, their temperature will be taken and if they are symptomatic, we will not permit their return to Little City. This is to protect all staff and fellow residents who are in our care.

ChildBridge Center for Education: The day school is closed for the remainder of the academic year, with the possibility of closure through summer classes. The school will continue to provide families at home and Children’s Group Homes, with appropriate e-learning materials through that date.

Community Outings (off-campus): All community outings are suspended through May 30th. Off-site essential outings including doctor visits permitted.

Foster Care Program and Home-Based Supports: Foster Care and In-Home Supports services will continue to be conducted as virtual visits.

Aunt Martha’s and Center for Health & Wellness: Until further notice, Aunt Martha’s dental is closed, Aunt Martha’s medical remains open to see established clients for non-emergency care and is offering tele-medicine services in addition to in-person visits.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time of uncertainty. We want to reassure you that our dedicated team is diligently working to keep your loved one safe and engaged while at Little City. Our team has made remarkable progress in our homes through e-learning, active engagement, recreational activities and more

For our residential families, we recognize how difficult it is being apart from your loved one. And for our families that rely on our day programming, we understand the disappointment in keeping your loved one from the enriching programs they depend on almost every day.

But normalcy will return, even though it may look different than we are accustomed to at Little City. Our highest priority is keeping our staff and participants safe, and we will continue to provide you with pertinent information as changes develop.

We encourage you to keep the lines of communication open, as this crisis is new to all of us. In response to the questions that were submitted at the April 9th Virtual Town Hall, we have addressed questions that were not able to be answered at that time at www.littlecity.org/townhall.

As the Children’s Group Homes at Little City is preparing to permit off-campus visitations beginning this weekend, we would like to share with you the process we are implementing so that we can continue to keep your loved one safe and healthy. This protocol is not only to ensure the safety of our residents, but it is the process that has been approved by DCFS and follows the guidelines set by the IDPH.

Beginning today, Case Managers will be reaching out to you to coordinate off-campus visits should you be interested. After this weekend, Case Managers will be reaching out to you every Monday for planned off-campus visits for the week and must be scheduled by Wednesdays.

Pick-Up procedures required for off-campus visits:

Should you desire off-campus visits Monday-Friday, pick-up of your loved one can be done at any time throughout the day, but must be scheduled in advance. For Saturday and Sunday visits, pick-up at Little City must be scheduled between 10:00-11:30am.

24 hours prior to the visit, families will be screened (email or text from Case Managers, or phone in the absence of technology).

On the day of the visit, families will be screened again by staff as they are picking up their loved ones.

Families should call the number that will be provided when they arrive. A back-up number will be provided for our on-call Case Manager.

Staff will come out to the vehicle to take the family member’s temperatures. If one’s temperature is 100.3 or higher, then the visit cannot continue.

Families are required to wait in their vehicle and allow the staff to walk the child to the car.

Off-campus visits should be limited to the youth and family’s home. We highly encourage families to stay home as much as possible to limit exposure for the youth. Families are expected to follow IDPH and CDC recommended guidelines which includes universal masking, proper hand hygiene, and social distancing.
Drop-off procedures required for off-campus visits:

Should you desire off-campus visits Monday-Friday, drop-off of your loved one can be done at any time, but preferred between 5:00-8:00pm, and must be scheduled in advance. For Saturday and Sunday visits, drop-off at Little City must be scheduled between 3:00-6:00pm.

By 10:00 am the morning of the return day, families will need to certify that all members of their household are COVID-19 symptom free via completing an electronic screening form.

Upon drop-off, please call the phone number provided and let the staff know you have arrived. Please remain in your vehicle until staff meet you. A back-up number will be provided for our on-call Case Manager.

Staff will meet you at your vehicle to take everyone’s temperature. If anyone presents a temperature of 100.3 or higher the youth will not be permitted in the home. Next steps will need to be determined, which may include 14-days before a youth is able to return to the Little City home.

Upon youth returning to their Little City home, they will sanitize their hands, clothes will be washed, and they will be encouraged to bathe.

It is essential for all visitors to adhere to these above guidelines for the health and safety of your loved ones, other families’ loved ones, and our staff. Any disregard of following these guidelines may result in postponing or disallowing visitation, as this would be compromising the health and safety of all the youth we serve and the staff who serve them.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation at this time as we ease back into off-campus family visits. Should anything change, we will be sure to contact you. Please also be aware that there is the possibility of visitations being suspended again if our state reverts back to an earlier phase.

If you have any questions, need clarification, or encounter any emergency situations outside of business hours, please reach out to our on-call Case Manager.

For addition information and updates, and how to protect yourself and your family, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or http://www.dph.illinois.gov/.

Gov. Pritzker has issued a mandatory Shelter in Place order for the entire state of Illinois beginning today March 21st at 5:00 pm through the end of April 7th.

Businesses and agencies that provide essential services will remain open. That means that Little City, a Human Service Organization that provides essential services to the public, will continue to remain open.

However, as previously noted, certain services that Little City provides are to be temporarily suspended including Community Day Services (all Lakeside and Countryside services, and Palatine Campus services including the Center for the Arts, Horticulture, Fitness & Recreation, Employee Development Services, etc.), and visitors to our Residential program. This will remain in effect until April 15th unless extended closure is instructed.

Additionally, the temporary closure of the ChildBridge Center for Education which was initially scheduled to reopen March 31st is now extended until April 8th (with the possibility of closure beyond that date.) The school will continue to provide families with appropriate e-learning materials through that date.

Gov. Pritzker has extended Illinois’ shelter in place through April 30th. Given these new guidelines, Little City’s programs and services have been updated. The possibility remains that closures will extend past April 30th, and we will keep you informed of any changes.

• Residential — Individuals who are currently residing at Little City must remain at Little City through April 30th. Additionally, in-person visits to our homes will not be permitted through April 30th. Communication with your loved one is encouraged via phone or video conferencing visits, and you should facilitate those visits with the appropriate Case or Home Manager. Should you choose to pick up your loved one to stay with you at home, please be aware that they may not return to Little City until after April 30^th. Once they return to Little City, their temperature will be taken and if they are symptomatic, we will not permit their return to Little City. This is to protect all staff and fellow residents who are in our care.Behavior Therapists will continue to assist with skill-acquisition activities in our homes through a continuity of care.Adults who live a more independent life must adhere to the state’s shelter-in-place mandate and are provided guidance and support for essential outings.
• Community Day Services — All Lakeside, Countryside and Palatine Campus services including the Center for the Arts, Horticulture, Fitness & Recreation classes, Employee Development Services, etc. are suspended through April 30th. Additionally, Adult Community Day Services program leaders have adapted curriculum and developed routine based engagement schedules – these personnel will be providing enhanced supports to ensure continuation of life enrichment activities during the shelter in place order. Recreation personnel are implementing in-home exercise, health and wellness programming options.  
• The ChildBridge Center for Education — Will remain closed through April 30th. The Center for Education will continue to provide e-learning materials for families to use, as well as in our children’s homes, during the time of typical school days.
• Community Outings (off-campus) — Suspended through April 30th. Off-site essential outings including doctor visits permitted.
• Foster Care Program and Home-Based Supports — Until further notice, Foster Care and In-Home Supports services will be conducted as virtual visits.
• Aunt Martha’s and Center for Health & Wellness — Until further notice, only individuals with urgent health needs will be seen. Dental services and annual physicals are to be rescheduled. Tele-psychiatry is continuing as scheduled.

As the Children’s Group Homes at Little City has been implementing successful outdoor visits with families, we and other children’s programs across the state are presently working with DCFS and IDPH to develop guidance for off-campus home and community visits.

As of today there are no new updates from the state agencies, but as formal guidance is being developed we are planning on updating you by the end of next week (July 24th) or sooner. We will be able to issue a notification on how Little City will—or will not—implement off-campus visits based on this guidance.

Once again, we sincerely thank you for your patience over the past several months. As we adapt to a new normal and carefully navigate reopening Little City, we know we must do so in the safest way to ensure our residents are safe and protected. We wouldn’t be able to do this successfully without your support and cooperation, and for that we remain deeply grateful.

Classes suspended for rest of academic year. The Center for Education will continue to provide e-learning materials for families to use, as well as in our children’s homes, during the time of typical school days. Course of action for summer class schedule to be determined.

As Illinois is enters Phase 3 of Restore Illinois, we recognize that this gradual reopening of our State has our staff and families wondering where family visitations to Little City currently stands.

Little City has been carefully preparing a comprehensive plan outlining controlled visits to our homes, once we are permitted to do so. Little City has been closely following the guidance from the Illinois Department of Public (IDPH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) and at the present time, these agencies are not authorizing outside visits to congregate living facilities, which is Little City’s classification. Additionally, a probable date for visitations has not be announced. That date could potentially come while Illinois is still in Phase 3, or possibly during Phase 4.

This past Wednesday, May 27^th, Little City held its second Virtual Town Hall covering the topics of Community Day Services, Family Visits, and the economic state of Little City. The recording of that town hall can be viewed here: Second Virtual Town Hall with Shawn Jeffers.

Beginning Thursday, March 19^th, 2020, families who take their loved one home must keep them at home until April 15^th, when the situation will be reassessed.  Little City will work with you to either have March and April medication ready at the time you pick up your loved one, or we will deliver medication in another manner.  If your family member is currently at home, they must return to their Little City residence by March 19^th or they will not be permitted to return until community spread has been contained. As individuals return to Little City from your home, their temperature will be taken and if they are symptomatic, we will not permit their return to Little City.

Effective immediately, in-person visits to our homes will not be permitted until further notice.  You should communicate with your loved one’s case manager to schedule phone or video conferencing visits.

Should a confirmed case be identified within a Little City residence, that individual will be quarantined.  At that time, all families will be notified about the arrangements made by Little City to contain the impact of the quarantine. More information on Little City’s containment strategy is forthcoming.

As we approach June, we anticipate that additional businesses and services in our communities will begin the process of reopening as Restore Illinois gradually enters Phase III. We continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health, and to date our programs and services are operating as follows:

Residential Program: We understand that our families miss their loved ones who are living at Little City. We are in the process of evaluating the safest time frame and protocol for allowing visits. By the end of next week, we will communicate the next steps for resuming family visits as well as returning residents to Little City who are currently at their families home. We appreciate your patience and understanding in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.

ChildBridge Center for Education: The day school is closed for the remainder of the academic year. Additionally, summer school will continue with E-Learning. The school will continue to provide families at home and Children’s Group Homes, with appropriate e-learning materials. Plans for resuming in-person classes in the Fall will be communicated once a decision has been made.

Community Outings (off-campus): All community outings are suspended until further notice. Off-site essential outings including doctor visits permitted.

Foster Care Program and Home-Based Supports: The Foster Care & Adoption program is following guidance from DCFS. Foster Care and In-Home Supports services will continue to be conducted as virtual visits.

Aunt Martha’s and Center for Health & Wellness: Aunt Martha’s dental is currently closed. Aunt Martha’s medical remains open to see established clients for non-emergency care and is offering tele-medicine services in addition to in-person visits.

Community Day Services: (all Lakeside and Countryside services, and Palatine Campus services including the Center for the Arts, Horticulture, Fitness & Recreation, Employee Development Services, etc.) is currently suspended. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has ordered that Community Day Services (CDS) will remain closed through August 31st. Little City is evaluating the most effective and safest way to resume these services once permitted. We will continue to keep the Little City community informed as direction from the DDD is given, and what the future of day programming will look like.

The CDC has mandated that all dental offices close until the end of March, including Aunt Martha’s. All appointments will need to be rescheduled.

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 has been escalating, important and immediate changes are taking place at Little City in order to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19:

• The ChildBridge Center for Education—Will be closed beginning Monday, March 16^th and reopening March 31^st (the possibility exists for an extended closure beyond March 31^st)
• Community Day Services (ALL Lakeside and Countryside services, and Palatine Campus services including the Center for the Arts, Horticulture, Fitness & Recreation classes, Employee Development Services, etc.)— With instruction from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), community day services sites will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17^th  through April 15^th (unless an extended closure is instructed.)

• Community Outings (off-campus)—Suspended until further notice. Off-site doctor visits, family visits and essential outings permitted.

• Employment Program—For participants who have jobs in the community, there are no changes unless employer has implemented changes or closures.

• Residential— Limited to approved visitors only, and permission allowed for off-campus visits with parents and family. Given these uncertain times, we encourage families to not visit and we will facilitate video/phone calls. Should families choose to take their loved one home, we will continue to support those home visits. Adults who live a more independent life have the ability to come and go, with additional precautions and training implemented. Little City staff is providing guidance and support for independent adults to make safe decisions regarding their movements.

• Foster Care Program and Home-Based Supports—At the moment, in home visits from Little City personnel continue to be allowed.

As COVID-19 continues to grow, we want you to know that we’re doing everything we can to help contain the virus and keep those in our care safe. Please be assured that further information will continue to be shared. We are in this together and greatly appreciate your support.