Frequently Asked Questions
My child has special needs, can I book respite care? Of course! Sensory Sensationz specifically caters to children and youth with multiple exceptionalities. Whether your child is formally diagnosed or not with a behavioural, intellectual, physical, or communicational exceptionality -- there is a place for them at Sensory Sensationz!
Do you offer overnight/after hours respite care? Although service hours typically end at 9pm during weekdays, we offer overnight services on Friday and Saturday nights in special circumstances. We understand that each child’s needs are unique and some children/families require more care during the late night hours. However, this service must be requested and approved by the care provider and cannot be booked online.
How many kids do you work with at once? Respite care typically involves 1-to-1 sessions for children who require medium to intensive support. We understand the importance of social development and peer interactions hence why we do offer 2-1 or 3-1 sessions (max.) for children in the same household who require only minimal support.
My child is older than 12, can they still receive respite care? Yes! Although Sensory Sensationz caters to children/youth between the ages 5-12, we are aware that children a bit younger and older than our age range needs support too. Feel free to book our respite service and we will reach out to you regarding your child’s specific needs.
What kind of activities are available? We have several activities, games, and programs that we recommend to promote your child’s creativity, engage all their senses, build confidence and improve their social skills. Check out our services page for more details.
My child does not respond well to new people, how will the first session go? Meeting new people can be challenging, even though we know your child will have a SENSATIONAL time! Prior to the first booked session, we can provide a 30-min meet and greet with the service provider (upon request) at your residence or another place your child feels the most comfortable.The service provider will introduce themselves, observe some of their interests and interact with them as much as they are comfortable.
What if my child is non-verbal or not potty trained? We welcome each child regardless of their skill level. The care provider has years of experience working with children with multiple exceptionalities and will communicate with your child in a way that works best for them (verbal, non-verbal, ASL). Being potty trained is not a requirement in order to participate. The care provider will ask for more detail regarding your child’s toileting needs and can support where necessary (prompting, wiping, etc). If your child requires diapering, please discuss those needs with the care provider directly.
Are entrance fees for activities included in the cost? No, due to our sessions taking place at multiple locations in the community, admission fees are not included in the cost of sessions. Caregivers may pre-pay for the program they are interested in their child attending (play pass at a trampoline park, swimming lessons, etc) or provide the respite care provider with cash or a card they would like to make the purchase with (a receipt is provided for all purchases).
Is this a therapy service? No, Respite care is not a therapy service. Our services often help your child build skills across several domains, however, it is not considered a therapy service, and is not billable under OAP.
I receive funding for respite care, can I use that to pay? Yes, if you receive funding specifically for respite care, the care provider can sign the required paperwork at the end of each session and can provide you with an invoice for proof of service. We do not accept money directly from the government or funding programs, therefore, families can pay in a method of their choice directly to the care provider.
How long is a respite session? Respite sessions can be booked from 1-4hrs based on the needs of your child. 2-3hr sessions tend to be the most productive as it allows enough time for the chosen program/activity as well as travel time. If you are unsure about how long of a session you need, we recommend booking an hour session to start and gradually increase session times for following sessions. Overnight sessions can range from 3-6 hrs unless otherwise discussed with the care provider.
How do I know respite care is the right service for my child? Try us out! Respite care is becoming a more common service for families of neurodivergent children to receive. Respite care allows families the ability to take a well-needed break, attend to errands, appointments, etc., and gives your child the opportunity to participate in inclusive activities in the community. We understand that each child is different and respite care may not be the best service for your child, hence why sessions are booked on an as-needed basis (no commitment necessary). Families are encouraged to book an initial 1-2 hr session to see how your child enjoys it and then take it from there! For families who are still unsure, feel free to book our 30-min meet-and-greet or contact us prior to booking.