Admission

GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION
TO THE CENTER-BASED PROGRAM

Appropriate services for children with disabilities are critical for the child's development. All children are different and, consequently, cannot profit from the same type of service setting or delivery system. Children's TLC offers a preschool setting with the majority of the therapies delivered within the context of the classroom activities. When families seek services for their children at our Center, the needs of individual children are considered in relation to the setting and delivery system offered at Children's TLC. In order to provide guidelines for the Center and for the family, the following guidelines for children 2-6 years of age are established if they are considered for Center-based, preschool services:

1. At least one therapy is required.
2. The family agrees to participate in the child's program; specifically, they will attend IEP and/or IFSP conferences and transition meetings.
3. The needs of the child can be managed by one staff member when the child is in a group and when the child is being transported within the facility.
4. The child will respond positively to therapy and/or instruction delivered in a social group environment.
5. There is no need for continuous one-to-one care.
6. The child benefits from classroom activities.
7. Current health is sufficient to anticipate consistent attendance at the Center.
8. The child demonstrates purposeful or intentional activity in at least one of the following domains: cognitive, physical, communicative, or social.

For a child to be admitted, the needs of the child and family and the services of the Center must match. If there is a poor match, the Center will assist the family in finding a program that matches the needs of their child. When there is a question about admission, the child may be placed at the Center for a trial period not to exceed 30 days. During that time, the professional staff will collect appropriate data to determine the fit between the child's needs and the capabilities of the Center to deliver appropriate services to the child and their family. Additionally, this trial period gives the family time to judge the appropriateness of the Center for their child.

 

Enrollment at Children's TLC

Anyone can call Children's TLC to inquire about services and/or make a referral. To make a referral call (816) 756-0780. The social worker will meet with the family over the phone, in their home, at the center or any convenient location. Together the social worker and the family will discuss the child's needs and the services Children's TLC can provide. Upon determination that the child is appropriate for services at Children's TLC the family will complete an application and will meet with the social worker to gather additional information. An intake panel reviews all applications and determines space available. If a space is available the family completes enrollment paperwork and services begin. Children's TLC does not maintain a waiting list but does refer families to other appropriate programs if space is not available.