June 19, 2020
Head Start of Lane County employees:
As we pass three months since the global pandemic caused significant changes to the Agency’s typical work and the world around us, we would like to take an opportunity to thank each of you for your continued support of this Agency and your commitment to the important work that we do for the children and families in our community. Along with our community partners and other businesses and organizations, we have persevered under very challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic.
The Agency reopen the Central Office mid – May and some employees who work in offices have been returning to work. As you know, returning to work brings some important modifications of our work practices, which are guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), Oregon Health Authority (“OHA”), Lane County Public Health (“LCPH”), and federal and state law. To establish new protocols and practices concerning safety, hygiene, and new leave laws for employees affected by COVID-19, the Agency prepared the following policies, attached to this letter:
- Return to Work Policy for Office Spaces. This policy applies to Agency employees who work in offices. In accordance with guidance from the CDC, OHA, and LCPH, this policy sets forth information about working in the office, rules about social distancing face coverings, and hygiene practices, and what to do if you are sick or exhibit common symptoms of COVID-19. As explained in detail in the policy, employees who are ill with or exhibit common symptoms of COVID-19 are not permitted to work in any Agency office or facility.
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Leave Policies. This policy applies to all Agency employees and all employees will be potentially eligible to take leave under this policy until December 31, 2020. There is new federal legislation that was enacted in response to the pandemic to address sick leave and family medical leave: The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“E-FMLA”) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“E-PSLA”). Please review the policy carefully for more information regarding whether you might be eligible for E-FMLA or E-PLSA leave. Employees should submit a request form to take either leave, explaining the reason you believe you are eligible. The E-FMLA and E-PSLA request forms are available on the agency portal and through the Human Resources Department.
- Special Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. This policy applies to any Agency employee who is or who resides with a person deemed by the CDC to have a high risk of severe illness if exposed to COVID-19. Such employees are invited to request special alternative work arrangements pursuant to the policy and using the included request form. The Agency will make determinations about such arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
All employees are expected to carefully review these policies. It is important that Agency employees adhere to these policies so that we can work together to respond to this ongoing challenge and continue to provide excellent service to the children and families in our community.
If you have any questions regarding these policies or request forms, please contact the Human Resources Department for more information.