COVID-19 Updates & Resources

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The appearance and spread of COVID-19 has affected everyone in profound and unexpected ways. In accordance with guidelines offered by the CDC and public health officials, Latham Centers has implemented changes in our protocols which are communicated directly to our staff and Latham families. As the situation evolves, we will continue to post any new information here on our “Updates for Families” page.

All of us here at Latham Centers are focused on ensuring the well-being of our students, residents, staff, as well as our Latham families. We have compiled many helpful “Resources for Families” below, and we hope you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy.

Updates for Latham Families

Resources for Families

We've collected some helpful resources to help children, parents, and caregivers cope with the challenges presented by the coronavirus. The virus and its effects require changes to our behaviors and routines, but we hope that the innovative ideas and resources presented below will help you and your families navigate through this difficult time.

If you're caring for children during this time, this list from the CDC (with additional suggestions below from Latham Centers) might offer some guidance:

  • Many schools are offering lessons online (virtual learning). Review assignments from the school, and help your child establish a reasonable pace for completing the work. You may need to assist your child with turning on devices, reading instructions, and typing answers.
  • Communicate challenges to your school. If you face technology or connectivity issues, or if your child is having a hard time completing assignments, let the school know.
  • Create a schedule and routine for learning at home but remain flexible.
  • Have consistent bedtimes and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday.
  • Structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals and snacks, and physical activity.
  • Consider the needs and adjustment required for your child’s age group.
  • The transition to being at home will be different for preschoolers, K-5, middle school students, and high school students. Talk to your child about expectations and how they are adjusting to being at home versus at school.
  • Consider ways your child can stay connected with their friends without spending time in person.

Look for ways to make learning fun: 

  • Have hands-on activities, like puzzles, painting, drawing, and making things.
  • Independent play can also be used in place of structured learning.
  • Practice handwriting and grammar by writing letters to family members. This is a great way to connect and limit face-to-face contact.
  • Start a journal with your child to document this time and discuss the shared experience.
  • Use audiobooks or see if your local library is hosting virtual or live-streamed reading events.

Prader-Willi-Specific Programming

To help families with children at home during this trying time, Latham Centers has compiled a list of resources in hopes of equipping families with strategies and tools. The following resources focus on creating programming specific to someone with Prader-Willi syndrome. We’ve included five sections:

Communication With Your Family

PBS gives a perspective of a parent learning how to talk to her children about COVID-19.

Describing the practice of Social Distancing can be difficult. This image can help to simplify:

Virtual Field Trips ("Outings") and Videos
Fitness and Fun
Education
Family Support Resources

PWS Specific:

General:

This website connects people to online support groups that are free— everything from rare diseases, addiction, anxiety… you name it.

Religious: