FAQs
What types of ‘exceptionalities’ is socialskilled inclusive of?
Our programs are designed to be accessible for children with a variety of neurodiversities, including (but not limited to), learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, ADHD, language impairments and mild intellectual delays. If you are not sure if your child is suited to attend socialskilled programs, please contact our intake coordinators at info@socialskilled.ca.
What type of programs does socialskilled offer?
We offer inclusive recreational and educational programs for children aged preschool to teen. Programs include arts, science, games, school readiness, reading, math and more. To learn more about specific programs, visit our Programs page. If you have any ideas for a specialized course, we would love to hear from you at info@socialskilled.ca
Are your programs only for children with a diagnosed exceptionality?
No. All of the programs offered by socialskilled are designed to be inclusive of ANY child who may find attending or fitting into traditional leisure activities challenging or impossible. Having a diverse range of children in our programs benefits and supports all participants.
Is socialskilled for my child?
socialskilled was designed for children who may:
- have trouble solving conflicts with peers and siblings
- try to avoid social situations
- behave immaturely
- feel or act shy or timid with peers
- display a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence
- struggle to make and keep friends
- need support in reading, writing, and/or math skills
- need to develop school-readiness
Upon pre-registering for a class, our staff will perform a thorough review of your information to find out more about your child and what social grouping will best fit their strengths and needs.
What if my child has a Safety Plan at school?
Each child who attends socialskilled programming should be able to manage well in a one staff to 4-5 participants ratio and should not have significant emotional or behavioural challenges that require a Safety Plan or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) support at school.
If your child has a Safety Plan attached to their Individual Education Plan (IEP), socialskilled programming is not the right fit for their needs.
The safety of all socialskilled staff and participants is our top priority.
We know that the needs of each child change as they grow and develop.
Please consider socialskilled programming again when your child no longer requires a Safety Plan or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) support at school.
What if my child can be aggressive, self-injurious, or unsafe?
socialskilled staffing and insurance prohibits the acceptance of children who exhibit or engage in behaviours that put themselves, staff or other participants at risk.
Unsafe behaviours include, but are not limited to: hitting/kicking, biting, leaving the group (elopement), self-injurious behaviours or threatening behaviours.
Unsafe behaviours that are not disclosed during pre-registration and then occur during programming will result in an immediate discharge.
Is my child ready for socialskilled?
socialskilled programs provide fun and opportunities for friendship if your child is ready.
Program Readiness Skills include:
- the ability to effectively communicate needs and wants verbally or non-verbally
- the ability to sustain focus for 5 minutes or more
- demonstrates some willingness to engage socially with peers and/or adults
- the ability to follow 1-step directions
If your child is not ready for our programs YET, we know that children grow and change, so please keep consider socialskilled when your child is equipped to benefit from the program.
Is socialskilled ABA therapy?
No. We do not use the principles of ABA or IBI therapy in our recreational, educational, or therapeutic programming.
Each of our programs embed the fundamentals of socialskilled, which are; learning and working with others, making friends, and keeping friends.
How do you group your programs?
This is a great question. Intake and evaluation are a very important part of the process at socialskilled, as it allows us to get to know and understand your child better.
Our programs will be grouped in three ways: age, interest and strengths. Each class will include children close in age, with similar interests. We also strategically group the kids to leverage each of their strengths and set them up for success and enjoyment.
Are the fees for socialskilled programs submittable under my OAP funding and/or insurance provider?
Our Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology, and Occupational Therapy services are not covered by OHIP but are covered by many supplemental health care plans. Invoices will be provided for each individual session your child attends.
OAP Core Clinical Services funding currently applies to Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy, however, this is subject to change. Invoices will be provided for submission.
*Submittable receipts will be provided at the end of programs, after the service has been provided.
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Do you pro-rate fees for late registration?
No. Regardless of start date, the program fees are to be paid in full. This policy follows our inability to refund for missed classes.
We encourage you to follow us on Instagram and/or join the mailing list to stay on top of registration dates and ensure your child gets the most out of our programs.
Do you have a withdrawal policy?
Withdrawals before the start of the second class of a session will result in a prorated refund plus an admin fee of $100. No refunds or credits will be considered after this period.
The effective date of the participant withdrawal is the date the withdrawal notice is received by socialskilled, regardless of the date the participant stopped attending.
No refunds are given for classes that are missed. socialskilled is not responsible for providing make-up classes for classes missed for personal reasons or inclement weather.
An administration fee of $100 will be charged for cancelations that occur less than 14 days prior to the program start date.
How long will you hold a spot for an incomplete registration?
After pre-registration approval, your spot will be held for 7 days.
If enrolment and payment has not been fulfilled within the 7 day period, the hold will be discontinued and the spot will become available to other applicants.
Do caregivers stay for the program?
socialskilled programs are run by educated professionals and offer low ratios that provide you the peace of mind to drop and go.
We encourage you to keep the goodbyes quick and positive, as prolonging the experience often times increases anxiety.
If you choose to stay onsite, we have a comfortable parent lounge for you to enjoy a warm drink and build your community with other socialskilled parents.
What do I do if my child is going to be absent?
If your child is sick, we ask that you please keep them home until they are feeling better. You do not need to let us know.
If you have a scheduled absence you can let staff know at drop-off.
No refunds are given for classes that are missed. socialskilled is not responsible for providing make-up classes for classes missed for personal reasons or inclement weather.