Frequently asked questions

What does a first visit look like?

Whether parents want to meet me, see the Playroom or introduce their child before they join a club just call to book a time and you and your child come to play.   In that visit you and your child will be introduced to the toys and equipment, we will all play, the kids will ask you if they can have a room like the Playroom at your house, and we talk about what types of supports or services you are looking for.

Do kids need to visit before they start coming to a club?

Yes. It is important that parents come to meet me and see the space that their child will be coming to. It is a time for the child to learn the rules of the Playroom and start to feel confident in coming for their club. The visit is a great time for me to talk with parents about what they are looking for, to share what I can offer and for the child to get a sample of what a club time might look like.

How do parents pay?

All enrollment fees are due the first day of the program and can be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer.  

Many parents use the funding from Special Services at Home, Respite, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities to purchase services from Affinity Consulting.

Are there family rates?

Yes, there are for individual sessions, let me tell you why. Early in my career when I visited with families they repeatedly told me that other service providers wanted them to not have their other children present for the one child's learning time. Well that is not how families work! Families need to learn and play together so that's what we do.  If you are booking an individual session for one child in your family and you think that it would be beneficial for siblings to come, they are welcome. (up to 3 kids)

What do you require for parent involvement?

Real learning happens at home when parents follow up on the homework and activities that are sent home. Each time your child or teen visits you will be given a written note that outlines what we did, why we did it and future learning. In group sessions kids are given homework to do which follows up on the lesson that they have learned. By doing the homework with parents they can see what their child learned and know how to reinforce that learning at home. Since many of the clubs are related to social and communication skills doing the homework is daily life practice.

Can parents stay with their child?

Yes, parents are the life teachers that their children will always have so when parents want to stay to participate and learn with their child they are always welcome.

Why am I running Affinity Consulting out of my home?

The sensory playroom is well equipped and needs to have a permanent space. The kids and parents are welcomed as guests in my home for programs and when they come for respite.  For 20 years I travelled North Muskoka visiting families in their home and in their schools, now I get to stay home and the kids come to see me.