Enrollment & Intake Procedures

How to register for SPARC programs:

• New participants: Intake interviews are required prior to registering for any program. Once completed, new applicants may register online. Please call (914) 243-0583 to schedule an intake interview.

• Current participants: Register online before the deadline date, which is 2 weeks prior to program start. This will ensure priority placement.

• Unpaid prior fees: Unpaid prior fees will restrict enrollment. Please make sure to pay any outstanding fees before registering for a new program.

• Deadlines: Deadline dates are 2 weeks prior to program start. Once deadlines pass, please call to inquire about openings. 

We make every effort to accommodate interested individuals.

 

Payment, Scholarships, Refunds

 

Program fees:

• Enrollment fee: There is a program enrollment fee for all participants. Full payment is required prior to program start. Late registration may be subject to a $25 fee.

• Scholarships, flexible payment plans, and financial aid: If fees create a hardship, please call (914) 243-0583 to inquire about a scholarship, flexible payment plan, or financial aid application.

• Refunds: Full refunds for program withdrawal are available up to 1 week prior to program start. After 3 days prior to the program start, no refund will be provided and withdrawal may be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

Medicaid waiver programs:

• Eligibility: Participants in SPARC's Medicaid-funded programs need to be enrolled in Medicaid respite waiver. To apply, contact OPWDD at (914) 332-8960. Once in this process, applicants may apply to attend SPARC programs.

• Cost: Medicaid waiver funding pays for the respite service part of actual program costs. SPARC's program enhancement fee enables us to provide the high quality activities you have come to expect. A percentage of this fee is considered a family contribution, without which program expenses would not be met, jeopardizing SPARC's ability to offer many programs.

• Non-Medicaid eligible applicants: When there are available openings, SPARC may welcome Non-Medicaid eligible individuals who wish to join our programs. These participants would need to pay a fee that is higher than the standard Medicaid fee.

• How to find out if a program is Medicaid waiver-funded: Medicaid waiver programs may be indicated with * on the SPARC website.

 

Program Dismissal

 

Prompt pick-up after activities is expected. A late fee of $10.00 per 10 minutes will be applied. Ongoing late pick-up is grounds for participant removal from the group.

Prompt pick-up is important for the following reasons:

• It ensures that participants are safe and well-cared for.

• It allows staff to prepare for the next activity or group.

• It is respectful of the time and efforts of the staff and other participants.

We understand that sometimes things come up and it is not possible to be on time. However, we ask that you make every effort to be prompt. If you know that you will be late, please call SPARC as soon as possible.

 

Cancellation notice:

• When: Cancellation notice is provided 3 hours prior to scheduled programs through email and telephone.

• Why: Cancellations may be due to inclement weather, power outages, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Rescheduling: SPARC endeavors to reschedule weather-related cancellations, but cannot guarantee that all programs will be rescheduled.

If a program is canceled, you will receive an email or phone call from SPARC. If you do not receive a cancellation notice, please call SPARC to confirm the status of the program.