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Enrollment & Program Policy

1. Enrollment & Intake Procedures

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1.1 New Participants:

  • Intake interviews are required before registering for your first program.

  • To schedule an intake interview, please use the scheduling tool on our website.

  • Once approved, a life plan, participant form, and a signed notice of rights must be completed.

  • After the interview, new applicants can register online.

1.2 Current Participants:

  • Current participants can register at any time.

1.3 Unpaid Fees:

  • Unpaid prior fees will restrict enrollment. Ensure all outstanding fees are paid before registering for a new program.

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2. Program Locations

  • SPARC programs are held throughout Westchester County and not in personal residences.

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3. Eligibility & Groupings

3.1 Eligibility:

  • SPARC welcomes individuals with autism, intellectual, and other developmental disabilities.

  • Each individual's needs and abilities are considered to ensure they benefit from the program's goals, staffing, and physical environment.

3.2 Groupings:

  • Staff-to-participant ratios are typically 5:1.

  • SPARC does not provide 1:1 supervision, support for behavioral issues creating safety concerns, or support for medically fragile individuals.

3.3 Program Match:

  • SPARC offers a variety of program options to match different needs and life stages.

  • Programs aim to help individuals reach their full potential.

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4. Payment, Scholarships, Refunds

4.1 Program Fees:

  • There is an administration fee for all participants, and full payment is required before the program starts.

4.2 Financial Assistance:

  • For hardship cases, call (914) 243-0583 to inquire about scholarships or flexible payment plans.

4.3 Refunds/Objection to Services:

  • Refunds are available at a prorated rate for unattended programs.

  • Individuals and caregivers have the right to object to services.

4.4 Medicaid Waiver Programs:

  • Eligibility requires enrollment in the Medicaid respite waiver. Contact OPWDD at (914) 332-8960 to apply.

  • Medicaid waiver funding covers the respite service part of program costs. An additional program administration fee is required for high-quality activities.

  • Non-Medicaid eligible participants are invited to participate at an out-of-pocket cost.

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5. Program Pick-up/Dismissal

5.1 Prompt Pick-Up:

  • Participants should be picked up promptly after activities.

5.2 Importance of Prompt Pick-Up:

  • Ensures participant safety and well-being.

  • Allows staff to prepare for the next activity.

  • Respects staff time and other participants.

5.3 Late Pick-Up Notification:

  • If you know you will be late, call SPARC as soon as possible.

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6. Cancellation Notice

6.1 Notification Timing:

  • Cancellation notices are provided 3 hours before scheduled programs via email and text.

6.2 Reasons for Cancellation:

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

6.3 Rescheduling:

  • SPARC will attempt to reschedule weather-related cancellations but cannot guarantee all programs will be rescheduled.

6.4 Confirmation:

  • If no cancellation notice is received, call SPARC to confirm the program status.

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7. Complaints

7.1 Handling Complaints:

  • All complaints are addressed by the Executive Director to evaluate the appropriate course of action.

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8. Satisfaction

8.1 Surveys:

Satisfaction surveys are sent to participants and caregivers every 6 months to ensure the programs provided meet their needs and expectations.

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