November 2023 Newsletter
Hi! My name is Angie, and I am a senior therapist here at PlayDate. I started in May of 2023, and this is the most amazing center I’ve ever had the opportunity to provide services for! I originally went to school for Business and Economics, thinking that was my
passion. 6 years ago I had a life-altering car accident that led me to the human services field. I started in Memory Care, working with elderly populations. I found ABA and fell in love with what I see as the most life-altering scientific therapeutic process available to people. I have worked with adults with ASD/IDD for years, and when I found PlayDate I knew I was home. I currently work with all age groups, but the elementary/teenage groups tend to be my main focus. I am currently teaching a Sexual Health class on Fridays, with the goal of our clients having access to information on their bodies and healthy relationships. Working with adults I saw a huge deficit in this basic information; leading to neglect and abuse that neurotypical children and adults are less likely to experience. Helping our clients live their most independent and gratifying lives possible is my life’s passion.
Fun November Dates
November 1 & 2 – Dia de Los Muertos
November 4 – Book Lovers Day
November 5 – Daylight Savings Day
November 7 – U.S. General Election Day
November 11 – Veteran’s Day & PlayDate Outing
November 12 – Diwali
November 13 – Caregiver Appreciation Day & World Kindness Day
November 14 – World Diabetes Day
November 17 – World Peace Day
November 18 – National Adoption Day
November 20 – Universal Children’s Day
November 23 – Thanksgiving Day & Center Closed
Monthly Celebrations
Child Safety Protection Month
National Caregivers Appreciation Month
National Diabetes Awareness Month
Native American Heritage Month
July Anniversaries
We would like to take this time to thank all of our staff for their dedication to our company and families and their continued support of PlayDate’s mission!
Shay, Senior Therapist – 10 years
Sariyah, Line – 1 year
November Outing
Get ready for a night of fun, science, snacks, and games on our Respite Night on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 4-8 p.m.! Don’t miss out on the excitement, register immediately by emailing [email protected] or dialing 719-465-3989.
Parents of PlayDate
Mark your calendars for a delightful day of celebration! We’re throwing a bash to honor all the amazing caregivers here at PlayDate. Come join us on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (right before the Respite Night) for a chance to meet other caregivers and enjoy a super fun activity. Childcare will be provided for those who attend.
R.S.V.P. at 719-465-3989 or [email protected].
Scheduling
If you have any requests to make adjustments to your child(ren)’s schedule please email [email protected].
Also, if you would like additional sessions (due to school being closed, holidays, etc.) please email your request at least 7 days in advance. The earlier the better.
Holiday Closures
This is a friendly reminder that we will be closed on November 23, 2023, December 24-25, 2023, December 31, 2023, January 1, 2024, and January 13, 2024.
Sick Child Policy
The majority of parents are quite careful about children’s health matters, following policies that are more likely to ensure their health, and having therapy only when the child is well. This policy provides specific guidelines so that everyone, including therapists, can be sure of when to cancel/reschedule therapy and so you can be confident in your child’s limited exposure to other sick individuals.
In the event that your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease, please notify your Senior Therapist or Consultant so that we may provide warnings to other families and report to the Department of Public Health as appropriate. Your child’s confidentiality will be safeguarded.
Our policies are based on our commitment to helping families and employees stay well so that children can attend and derive the most benefit from therapy. It is equally important for us to protect other children and our employees, whose good health is directly related to their ability to maintain their therapy appointments.
Please read the information and keep these guidelines for your reference:
Children may only participate in services (in-home or center) if they have NOT had a fever WITHIN THE 24 HOURS PREVIOUS TO THE APPOINTMENT.
This means that even if a fever breaks, services must be canceled until 24 hours have elapsed since the fever broke. This is standard medical policy and parents may verify this with their medical advisor. Since energy levels or fevers alone are not always accurate indicators of illness, our employees may advise you that your child appears to be getting sick even in the absence of a fever. A child can be very contagious and quite sick before a fever appears. Because our employees are careful, they know they are required by law to be aware of each child’s individual health “picture”, to watch children they suspect of illness, and then to advise parents of their judgment.
If, in the judgment of the therapist, a child is deemed ill, a parent must pick up the child within a reasonable amount of time. A therapist may also end a session early if the child appears too sick to actively participate. This is important, to safeguard the ill child and to safeguard other children and employees from being exposed to an illness unnecessarily. This also ensures that service time is used when the child can receive the most benefit.
Cancel services for one (1) calendar day if your child:
Is being treated with AUGMENTIN – as this drug creates explosive diarrhea symptoms
Is being treated with antibiotics
Has vomited and/or has diarrhea
Has persistent cough or nasal drainage
Has a greenish discharge from the nose – as this is an indication of an active infection in the child’s respiratory system
Holiday Party Sponsorship
We are preparing for our 16th annual PlayDate Holiday Party! This event is always a success due to the support of our wonderful community! There are many ways to get involved:
Present DonationVolunteeringMonetary DonationsCraft DonationsFood DonationsSponsorship (at a variety of levels)
If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact us at [email protected] or 719-465 3989.
Thank you!
Parent Therapist Association
We are excited to announce our Parent Therapist Association (PTA)! Our PTA is a collaborative group between our PlayDate community, including guardians, family members, staff, and all that are interested.
If you are interested in joining the PTA, please email [email protected]
Donation Requests
We are dedicated to helping children with special needs and their families. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to continue our work and make a positive impact in the community.
If you have any items or resources you would like to donate, we would greatly appreciate your support. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a difference in the lives of those we serve!
