Parent's Night Out: FAQ's

Hey Everyone!
We've had some questions regarding Parent's Night Out come up a few times. So, we thought it would be a good idea to make a frequently asked questions post in case you are wondering some of the same things other parents are. If any of your questions are not addressed below, please feel free to email In Stepps for more information.

-I keep seeing PNO all over the blog and Facebook page. What does it stand for?
*Parent's Night Out! :)

-What exactly is PNO?
*Parent's Night Out is a chance for parents to drop off their kids at In Stepps while they go and enjoy a night on the town. We understand that when you have a child with special needs that finding time for yourself seems nearly impossible. However, we believe nurturing your other relationships and taking a break is crucial to maintaining a healthy family dynamic. We also understand that finding qualified and trustworthy child care can be a challenge. Your child is your most precious gift, and leaving them for even a few hours can be a stressful decision.
Whether you want to grab a coffee and enjoy some quiet time, have a date night with your spouse, enjoy happy hour with friends, or just get some errands done....You can drop your child off with peace of mind knowing our highly trained staff will make your child's safety and well-being a priority while also creating a fun and enriching environment. Our staff is highly skilled in:
facilitating play interactions, developing motivating and creative activities, working with children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

-How much does PNO cost?
*$30, plus $15 for every additional child

-That seems expensive. Why so much? I can find a babysitter cheaper.
*In Stepps is more than just a sitter! We offer a chance to facilitate play interactions such as turn taking, responding to peer initiations, social games, and more. We also hand pick a theme for the night and plan games, activities, movies, and snacks based on the theme. In Stepps guarantees a ratio of 2:1; this means that for every 2 children attending PNO, there is 1 adult to watch over them. So if we have 10 kids, 5 adults will be there to supervise. This ensures the safety and well being of every child that walks in the door. It also means that if your child, or any other child, is having difficulty during the evening, a well qualified In Stepps staff member will be able to give your child the attention they need to make PNO successful. Our staff is trained in ABA principles, behavior management, peer/social facilitation, play skills, working with children with disabilities, and more. There is nothing we can't handle! (Please note, there will ALWAYS be at least 2 In Stepps staff members on site at all times during PNO, even if only one child is present.)

-Where is the location of PNO?
*We host PNO at the In Stepps office. Our address is 18008 Sky Park Circle in Irvine. Cross streets are Main and McArthur; right by the John Wayne Airport.

-What time does PNO start?
*Drop your kids off at 6:30 and come back to pick up at 9:30.

-What should my child bring?
*Your child should be dressed in comfortable clothes (pajamas are great) since many kiddos get sleepy around 8 o'clock. We have a movie room full of over sized pillow and stuffed animals, so it gives them a chance to rest and relax. The more comfortable they are dressed the better. Please send your kids in closed toed shoes, no slippers. Feel free to send favorite blankets, stuffed animals, and special snacks in a back pack. Please label all items that belong to your child.

-My child is not potty trained. Can he/she still come?
*Of course! Please inform In Stepps staff of any toileting schedule or needs prior to drop off. Plan to send your child with all necessary toileting materials including: diapers/pull ups, wipes, a change of clothes, reinforcers, etc.

-What will my child do during PNO?
*We will have a packed night! All activities will be planned according to the amount of children, ages, skills, interests, etc. So each PNO will be individualized with a theme. Activities include: arts & crafts, social games, movies, board games, dancing and singing, snack time, and more. Plus, we have a HUGE toy closet and lego chest full of good stuff. Your child will have access to any toys we have on site.

-What if my child has a tantrum or other behaviors during the evening?
*It is no problem! Our staff is highly trained in behavior management and you can be assured that we will handle all behaviors following ABA principles. We have several quiet spaces in the office to use for relaxing, handling behaviors, taking a break, etc. Every child's safety and dignity is our priority.

-Can I call to check up on my child during the night?
*Of course you can! You can call the In Stepps office or the supervisor on duty will give you their personal cell phone number.

-The door is locked every time we drop off or pick up! What gives?
*For safety purposes, the office building In Stepps is located in automatically locks nightly. For PNO we put some sort of toy in the doorway to allow parents and children in and out approximately 5 minutes before drop off and pick up. If for some reason you are dropping off early/late or picking up early and the door is locked, please call the office and we will be right out to let you in! Our staff will also lock the In Stepps door once all children have arrived. Please feel free to ring the bell if you arrive that the door is locked (we may be having so much fun and not hear you knock).

-Will you take pictures of my child? I do/don't want you to.
*Only with your written permission. We take privacy very seriously at In Stepps. Your child's photo will not be taken or featured on our blog, website, or Facebook page unless you have given us consent. If you would like your child's picture taken and sent to you or put on our websites, we will ask that you sign a consent form and leave it with us.

-Why do you take pictures and post them on the blog and Facebook page?
*We are so proud of PNO and the families that attend love it. It gives us a chance to share the events of the evening with parents, friends, staff, and supporters. Plus, who doesn't love to see pictures of kids having a blast? :)

-I/We want to go out with friends/family but they have kids and no sitter. Can they come?
*The more the merrier! Please let us know in advance if any additional children will be coming with your family.

-My family does not receive services from In Stepps. Can we still come?
*You bet! Any child is welcome to come!

-What forms of payment do you take?
*Check or cash is fine! Checks can be made out to: In Stepps

-How often do you host PNO?
*Currently we offer PNO once a month. However, if there is a need/interest in more nights, please let us know so we can take it into consideration.

-Why do we have to RSVP a week in advance?
*We want to be sure that the night is planned accordingly. This includes making sure we have enough staff and supplies. As previously stated, each PNO is individualized based on the number of children, ages, skill level, and interests. The more time we have to plan, the more fun your child will have!

-We don't live in Irvine/It is too far from our house/We aren't familiar with the area. What is there to do around the In Stepps office?
*In Stepps staff have created a blog post full of local restaurants, entertainment, shopping and more. We are centrally located to some of the best that OC has to offer! Please click here to see personal recommendations and locations (including miles from the office).

-How do I sign up?
*Let your In Stepps supervisor or PC know you would like to join the next PNO. They will supply you with all the detailed information for that month. Or you can email Lindsey at LindseyL@instepps.com (our PNO supervisor) or In Stepps directly. Or you can call us at (949) 474-1493

-Any other information you need?
*If you are attending for the first time you will need to fill out a registration form. Please include any allergies, diet information, special concerns, etc.

-Our kids had a blast at PNO! Can we come every month?
*Yes, yes, yes! We love our "PNO Regulars!" One of the reasons we love PNO so much is not only is it so fun to see parents dressed up and excited to head out, but we get to spend quality time with kids that we hold so dear to our hearts!

-I'd like to share our PNO experience/gratitude/concerns/feedback. Who do I contact?
*Email In Stepps or Lindsey directly. We love any feedback from our families!

Hope to see you at our next PNO!!

Holiday Sesason Prep

Good morning and Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and long weekend!

We are really excited about some upcoming holiday events, including December Parent's Night Out on December 16! PNO and In Stepps' office will transform into a Holiday Celebration Party! This is a great opportunity to leave your kids with us while you head out for some last minute gift shopping, take visiting family and friends out to dinner, or connect with your spouse without the kids before they are out of school for a couple of weeks. Please RSVP no later than December 9- let your supervisor know or contact Lindsey if you would like to sign up your child(ren).

With the holidays upon us, schedules are sure to be full of vacations, visitors, and places to be. If you are an In Stepps family, please be sure to let your supervisor know any holiday schedule changes or cancellations as soon as possible! Many of our staff members are planning to work during the holiday season and we would like to fulfill contract hours for those families and staff that will be available. School's Winter Break may provide us with an opportunity to move hours around, so be sure to inform your supervisor of your family's availability and needs. We want to be sure to accommodate any make ups during this busy time of year. Your supervisor will let you know of any staff changes as well.

Also, be sure to discuss any concerns you have about your child and holiday celebrations with your team early so they can plan to do some priming, social stories, and/or skill rehearsal before the holidays arrive. This is a great opportunity to make the holidays a successful, fun, and memorable time for your child and family!

Here are some pictures from our In Stepps Thanksgiving Pot Luck. Thanks to everyone who brought their signature yummy dishes! :)

Looking forward to an exciting holiday season!

Giving Thanks

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy 

Hello everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Thanksgiving is upon us-- can you believe it?! Where has this year gone? Before you start cooking up that turkey and strategizing your Black Friday shopping plan of attack... we have some cool things to share with you!

This past Friday during Parent's Night Out we had the kids finish this sentence: "I am thankful for..." They gave some very sweet, honest answers, as kids always do. Here are just a few of their responses:

We at In Stepps have a lot to be thankful for. So we thought "Hey, what would our answers look like??" We asked our staff to finish the sentence "I am thankful for... "

Here are their amazing answers:

Yvonne:

I am thankful for our dedicated amazing clinical team that always goes above and beyond!

Erin:
I am thankful for being able to do what I love with people I admire and respect.

Adriana:

I am thankful for… my parents, friends, health, and having the opportunity to work with amazing people who make a difference in children’s lives every day.

Kimberly:

I am thankful for... my job because I get to spend most of my day playing with kids and surrounded by wonderful people!

Kimberly adds: "I would also like to share a quote from one of out clients... he told me "Grateful means thankful" To which I replied, "yes that's right, they do mean the same thing" and then he said 'grateful means thankful and I am grateful for you.'"

Lindsey:

I am thankful for ... the families that welcome me into their home with open hearts and minds and allow me to connect with their child. I am also thankful for my wonderful family and friends who fill my life with their love, support, patience, and kindness. Oh, and I am thankful for my dogs!

Nicole H.:

I am thankful for my amazing friends and family and that I have a ridiculously fun job that makes me smile and laugh every day!

Leigh Ann:

I am thankful for all of the love and support I have from my family all the way from Ohio.

Alissa:

I am thankful for the love of my family and friends and for coming home everyday from work knowing I made a slight difference in someones life.

Dave:
I am thankful for everyday!

Jenn B.:

I am thankful for the supportive family and friends surrounding me

Jenn S.:

I am thankful for my family and friends and the support they provide in my daily life. Some of it may may seem simple and trivial like picking up the kids from school so they are not waiting for me because I am stuck in traffic, but without it our squeaky wheel would not turn.

Elise:

I'm thankful that everyday I go to work at a job that I love so much with so many people that I adore- my families, kids and co workers :)

Kara-Lee:

I am thankful for all the wonderful families I have had the honor to meet and work with in this past year.

Krystal:
I am thankful for my family and make up!

Laura C.:
I am thankful for having loving, supportive family and friends, a happy and positive work environment and the best doggie that shows me 100% unconditional love!

Nicole F.:
I am thankful for working with a great "family", the beach, and ice cream!

Jesse:
I am thankful for my family!

Brianna:
I am thankful for good friends, family, and yummy food!

Mayra:
I am thankful for so many things this year that it's hard to choose one. Above all, I am very thankful for the health & life of my family. I am also thankful for IN STEPPS. I am very blessed to have found this company that I really enjoy working but most of all a place where I am making a difference in the lives of others!

Wow! How awesome! It's great to reflect on all of the wonderful things we have to be thankful for in our lives each and every day. Thanks for sharing, everyone!

Here are some pictures from our Turkey Time Parent's Night Out (PNO) this past Friday. How precious are these faces?! This is why we love spending Friday nights at the office once a month! :)

Check back later this week; we will announce the date for the next PNO. It will be a great opportunity to leave your kids with us while you finish up last minute holiday shopping!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the holidays, we have to ask:

What are YOU thankful for??

Feel free to post your thoughts in the comment section below or email us! We are always happy to hear from you!

And finally...

In Stepps' Thanksgiving wish for each of you: We hope you enjoy all of the wonderful moments and revel in the most special gifts this time of year has to offer- joy, love, laughter, the presence of family and friends, and gratitude in your heart. And of course, relaxation and full bellies! :)

OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks Recap!

Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.  ~Vince Lombardi
 
Hi everyone!
Phew! Another event has come and gone and In Stepps is feeling on top of the world! First of all, we want to express a huge THANK YOU to all those who are visiting our blog, website, and Facebook page after stopping by our booth at the resource fair during the OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks. We had such a great time making cotton candy, passing out In Stepps goody bags, and painting faces. We hope you enjoyed our giveaways and discovered a little bit about who we are!

The OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks was a huge success in so many ways. First and foremost, the community came out to raise money and awareness for such an important cause. So awesome! It was amazing to witness so many committed people rally together and we are so happy we got to be a part of it. Secondly, the In Stepps team once again showed how much passion and love they have not only for the work we do, the kids we work with, and the families we all touch... but for each other, too. What truly makes a team work is a common vision, compassion, positivity, heart, and enthusiasm. How lucky are we that our team has all that and more?

We had a blast, and we hope you did too. We would love to hear from each and every one of you! Feel free to call or email us for more information about In Stepps, to give us feedback, or just to say hello. You can also find us on Facebook! Click "Like" and you'll get In Stepps updates directly to your newsfeed. Hear about upcoming events, announcements, see photos, and more! 

Thanks again! It meant so much to us that so many people stopped by to connect with us and we could never describe the gratitude we feel for all the support we receive.

Didn't make it out to the walk? Missed the In Stepps booth in the hustle and bustle of the crowd? Don't worry! We've got pictures covered .... Enjoy!

What They Didn't Tell Me About My Child's Autism

Here is a good read for everyone... tell us what you think!

What They Didn't Tell Me About My Child's Autism

By Ariane Zurcher
Award-winning jewelry designer & writer

Here are some things you will not find in your research on autism:
You will not learn how this diagnosis will affect your marriage or other members of your family. You will not be told how it may fundamentally alter your perceptions of what is "normal," how it may change your view of human beings, how it can force you to question small talk and why we behave the way we do, how it will transform your outlook on life, how it will change you, how your life and everything you assumed to be true, is no longer what you thought.
Having a child with autism may cause you to feel things you never dreamed possible. You may know moments of joy and moments of despair you could not have imagined. You may find yourself going to untold lengths in the hope of helping your child. You may feel distracted, unable to concentrate. Your work and career may suffer. You may learn what it is to be sleep deprived. You will come to know what it means to feel desperation. You will know sorrow in a way no one can prepare you for. You will know happiness in a way no one can prepare you for. Sometimes you may feel both sorrow and happiness within the same day, within the same hour, within the same minute.
You may spend money you do not have on yet another treatment, yet another doctor, yet another specialist, yet another therapy, yet another intervention, all the while rationalizing that if it helps, it will all be worth it. You may contemplate doing things you would have scoffed at before your child was diagnosed. You may find yourself trying things that defy logic and have no medical basis. You may listen to implausible, anecdotal stories and think -- we will try that next. You may dream your child is speaking to you in full, complex, beautifully self aware and revealing sentences. You may wake from those dreams believing for a few seconds they were real and not a dream. You will pray that you might dream again. You will welcome sleep, as you never believed possible. You may ache with sadness because your child is crying and in pain and your presence brings them no solace. That ache may become unbearable when your child hits themselves in the face, bites their own arm or hand, punches their own legs or stomach. You may question every maternal instinct you have.
You may feel ecstasy from being hugged, unprompted. You may feel the exquisite joy from having your child reach for you, ask for you or look at you. You may know the joy that comes from seeing your child work so hard at something that does not come easily to them. You may celebrate when they use the bathroom unaided, drink from a cup, sleep for more than a few hours without waking you, try a new food or simply acknowledge your presence. You may feel a gratitude you would not have believed possible. You may cry from happiness when they say a word, any word, even if you are the only person who can understand what the word is. You will know what it is to appreciate commonplace things -- eye contact, the correct use of the word "me," "you" and "I," physical contact initiated by your child, a word, any word spoken or a smile.
You will feel a fierce love for your child that seems to come from a place that is not of this world. You will know what it is to love unconditionally and you will understand what that really means.
What have you learned that no one was able to tell you in your research of autism?
For more on my daughter, Emma's journey through a childhood of autism, go to: www.Emma'sHopeBook.com

 

Follow Ariane Zurcher on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Arianezurcher

Another Shining Star

"One hundred years from now it won't matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank, nor what my cloths looked like. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child." - Forest Witcraft

It's that time again! Time for us to recognize a well deserving IN STEPPS staff member for their hard work, commitment, and uniqueness that makes them such a special part of our team.  

This time, we'd like you all to meet.... Alissa!

Alissa has been a therapist with IN STEPPS since the beginning! She has been a part of the growth, and as we have grown, so has she!

Here is what a few of Alissa's supervisors have to say about her:

From Kimberly- Alissa is a strong therapist for so many reasons beyond her excellent implementation of PRT.  She has the ability to walk into a room and instantly brighten the mood because her affect is always so high.  Her infectious energy and enthusiasm seem boundless.  Alissa is so loud and so fun; the moment she walks in the door, her clients cannot wait to start playing with her.  Alissa frequently goes above and beyond the "call of duty" to do the best thing for her clients.  On her own time, at home, she looked up pictures and made PECS for a client who had just been introduced to the PECS system.  She is consistently willing to do make up sessions for her own clients or pick up make up sessions for other therapists.  She always reads the FBA for a client before she goes out to meet them and comes up with great, well thought out questions regarding their program.  Alissa is consistently able to recognize any obstacles to her clients' success.  One of her greatest strengths is her ability to strategize solutions for overcoming those obstacles with her supervisor.  It is such a pleasure to work with Alissa and to have watched her grow and blossom as a therapist over this last year.  Thank you for all your hard work Alissa, it truly shows!

 From Lindsey- Alissa! My girl! Alissa is fantastic... she always has the best attitude and the perfect energy to meet the needs of each kiddo she works with. Alissa is so fun and it shows in the most important way.... the kids LOVE her and can't wait to start session with her! It is amazing to watch Alissa intersperse all the PRT points, child goals, proactive and reactive strategies, and reinforcement in the most creative ways during play. It keeps the kids motivated and I think it actually keeps her motivated, too! Some of the things I appreciate most about Alissa: her flexibility and willingness to make sure her clients are getting all of their hours, her ability to take constructive criticism and not only implement suggestions but go above and beyond, her silliness and playfulness, and her team approach to sharing information and asking important questions. But most of all, I appreciate Alissa's commitment to her kids and their families. She is truly dedicated to each one of her teams and I am always hearing from families how much they appreciate her. SO DO I :)

From Dave:  Alissa has been bringing in great videos for supervision and support. One specific video had a perfect example of presenting an opportunity for a client to utilize a multiple cue when requesting an item/activity. The items presented (multi colored balls), though similar, had contrasting qualities that were equally reinforcing. The blue ball was a somewhat flattened soccer ball that wouldn't go very far but would make a big thump when kicked; whereas the purple ball was a fully inflated bumpie gurdie ball that would ricochet around the room when kicked. Wow!!! A perfect example of presenting multiple cues which also ended up being a fantastic example of differential reinforcement and will likely be added to our folder of training videos. Alissa is an asset to her support and supervision groups and a pleasure to work with as she takes and delivers feedback thoughtfully and with a positive constructive attitude.

For this IN STEPPS' Star... we have something VERY special to share. We received this email from a family that Alissa works with. Emails like this truly touch our hearts and remind us why we do what we do. These words come from those who matter most. Alissa, please read this and let it serve as a testimony to the great work you do and how important you are to not only us, but to each child and parent you touch!
Here's the email:

I am struggling for words to describe the positive contribution/difference that In Stepps staff have made to my son’s life. One of them who deserves recognition is Alissa. She is an amazing therapist and an incredibly caring person on top of that. Thanks to Alissa, my son continues to demonstrate nothing but positive growth and we feel very fortunate to have her as part of my son’s team. Above her day-to-day duties, Alissa leaves us a note about our son’s daily accomplishments and always takes time to encourage us.Thank you Alissa and congratulations on receiving the In Stepps Star Award! You truly deserve it.

Yes, congrats Alissa! And thank you for all your hard work. You really are a STEPP above!!

Wow!

The NBA may be on lockout, but we have a basketball fix for ya!


Take a look at this video... Amazing! Hope it brings a smile to your face! :)

Friday Inspiration

A little Friday inspiration to start your weekend off right! :)

The Star Thrower

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."-Loren Eiseley

Don't Forget...

Sign up for the OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks and join Team IN STEPPS!
The walk is coming up quick.... It is on November 12th (that is next weekend, folks) at Angel's Stadium in Anaheim. We would love to see you all and walk together for a great cause!

Here's what to do:
Go to http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/orangecounty/instepps
Click "Join OurTeam"
Sign up each member of your family (kids, too)

Then come out bright and early November 12th with family, friends, and neighbors and visit our booth and say hello to our directors and your team therapists, parent consultants, and supervisors. We'll all be there! Not an IN STEPPS family? That's ok! We want to see you, too! :)  We'll have fun giveaways and activities for the kids. 

Another reminder... Parent's Night Out is November 18th-- It's Turkey Time! Please sign up no later than November 11th!
Let your supervisor or PC know if you are interested. You can also email Lindsey or Nicole to sign your kiddos up.

Have a great rest of the week, and a stellar weekend! Looking forward to seeing everyone at these events, it's going to be a blast!

Parent's Night Out Recap

"If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good." - Dr. Seuss

Happy Monday everyone!

This past Friday In STEPPS hosted another Parent's Night Out! We had a GREAT turnout. While parents spent the evening at the movie theater, having dinner together, or meeting up with friends, the kids had a terrific costume party with the In STEPPS staff. Check out some pictures below!

Also, our next Parent's Night Out will be Friday, November 18th (due to the Thanksgiving holiday). Since this popular event fills up quickly and we must plan staff accordingly and provide enough supplies for the evening, sign ups will ONLY be taken up until November 11th. If you do not sign up by November 11th, you'll have to catch us in December! So let us know if you are interested in attending ASAP by emailing Lindsey or Nicole or letting your In STEPPS supervisor or PC know.

Just a reminder,  The OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks is on Saturday November 12th. We'd love for you to join Team In STEPPS! You can check out an awesome resource fair, stop by our booth for fun activities and giveaways, and if you are walking with our team we'll have a cool t-shirt waiting for you and the members of your family! Go to our team website to sign up and click "Join Team." Remember, sign up EACH member of your family, including children! Can't wait to see you all there!

And finally, the PNO pics!

*parents have signed written consent to use images*



A HUGE thank you to our awesome team members who are willing to spend their Friday night at this event! We wouldn't be able to offer parents such a wonderful service without your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment! You guys rock!