Imua Family Services Continues Services Online

PC: Imua Family Services.

In order to minimize exposure risk and to support social distancing, Imua Family Services is transitioning its therapeutic early intervention services throughout Maui County from in-person home visitation to telepractice or phone conferencing.  This went into effect on Monday, March 23, 2020.

In addition, Imua Family Services’ offices will be closed to clients during normal business hours. This includes Imua Inclusion Preschool, which has temporarily suspended regular preschool services.

“As we work through this unprecedented situation with the spread of COVID-19 and the constantly shifting attempts to address it, the safety of our children and families must take priority. It is our civic duty to comply with the recommendations set by governmental agencies to help combat this pandemic,” Imua executives said.

“Though our offices have suspended regular programming, we continue to innovate to meet the needs of our community. Our preschool instructors have started livestreaming 20-minute circle time segments through Imua’s Facebook page to engage homebound keiki,” according to an Imua announcement.

The sessions begin at 10 a.m. and utilize puppets, story time, and other activities. The stream is free and open to any who wish to participate.

“Imua Family Services is also working to provide daily child care relief to our medical care community and first responders at no cost to their families. Our shift in services is a reflection of our desire to assist our essential health care workers and front line first responders who have been called to duty,” according to Imua.

“Those who work in the field and wishing to participate may have their employer contact us directly. We recognize the challenges faced by those who do not have access to childcare at home. While the opportunity is limited due to our available resources, we hope it can be of use during this crucial time of need,” the organization reports.

“As this national crisis unfolds, Imua Family Services recognizes that the continued needs of the families we serve will only grow with time. This makes it imperative that we transition our service delivery model to better incorporate internet-based solutions. Our priorities are two-fold: to maintain critical services to the keiki in our programs and to do so while looking out for the health and well-being of our staff. For those of you who currently receive our services – we are currently in the process of contacting you to determine need and to provide assistance where possible,” according to Imua executives.

Imua Family Services provides early childhood development services for Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.