10/14/2022
Frequently Asked Questions
-What can I expect from the SEED Program?
Our goal is to teach children foundational skills to build healthy relationships, regulate emotions and follow routines and expectations. As children learn and use these skills, they can be more confident to problem-solve, explore their environment and learn more effectively in structured settings.
-Which children does SEED enroll?
Our program is designed for children 3-5 years old who struggle with managing their emotions or behaviors. We believe that children can fall behind in their development of social skills in much the same way they can fall behind in their development in other areas, like language and motor skills. While there are many factors that can contribute to this developmental lag, it can be addressed through structured learning and developmentally appropriate activities that model skills and allow a child guided practice.
-What is the SEED schedule?
SEED days are currently Monday-Wednesday. We offer a morning group from 8:30am-11:30am and an afternoon group from 12:30pm-3:30pm.
-How long does SEED program last?
Children can enroll at any time we have openings and will continue with us until their treatment goals have been completed and children have improved their ability to manage emotions and behaviors at home and in the community.
-How do we start our child in SEED?
The first step is to complete the intake paperwork and return it to our office. When we have your registration information, we will call you to set a first visit. During that visit, we will get a preliminary idea of your current concerns for your child and will answer any questions you might have about our program.
Following the initial visit, an early childhood diagnostic assessment will be completed by a SEED program therapist to set appropriate individual goals for treatment. To get accurate information and the best possible picture of current skills and deficits, the assessment process takes place over 3 visits and at least 2 will be with your child in various settings such as home, daycare or preschool. If a child is already receiving mental health services, they have likely already had a diagnostic assessment completed. The SEED therapist may be able to use that assessment if it was completed recently and includes all the necessary information.
After the diagnostic assessment is complete, an Individual Treatment Plan is created to set specific goals for your child’s progress. We review the assessment and treatment plan with you and set a day to start at SEED.
-What is the Diagnostic Assessment?
An Early Childhood Diagnostic Assessment is the first step in receiving services. The diagnostic interview will include the child, parent(s), and siblings, peers, teachers and others as needed. The child will be observed and assessed in multiple settings for the purpose of making an accurate assessment. A completed diagnostic assessment will include a diagnosis from two diagnostic manuals (DSM 5 and DC:03R). These diagnoses are simply a name for a group of symptoms and concerns similar to those you may have for your child. The Diagnostic Assessment will also include a relationship assessment classification for your child and significant caregivers. This will help determine strengths and possible areas for improvement in the parent-child relationship, as this relationship is so important for a child's development and success in life. Lastly, the diagnostic assessment will determine needed services and create a focus for treatment goals. Services can begin at this point and will focus on specific and measurable goals for your child and family.
-What should we expect from the weekly family sessions?
Each week we meet with each child and their family in their home to offer support to parents, problem-solve situations that occur at home and discuss lessons your child learned at SEED during the week. The goal for family sessions is to be a resource for parents and help your child transfer newly learned skills to different environments.
-What does SEED cost?
Most insurance companies will cover the cost of our program as long as the diagnostic assessment is complete and it is found that services are a “medical necessity” based on current functioning. Our program bills insurance or a state grant for services and at no point should there be a cost to you.
-How does my child get to SEED or home?
We do ask that caregivers transport their children if at all possible. However, we do not want transportation to be a barrier to services for your child. If you cannot be available to regularly bring your child to SEED or pick them up, we can work with you to create a transportation plan. As SEED services are considered a medical appointment, some insurance will cover the cost for transportation by a medical transport service. We can give you more information on this as we move further into the intake process.
-What if my child cannot attend SEED?
If your child cannot attend SEED because of schedule conflicts, age, or degree of developmental delay we may still be able to provide in-home services.
-How do we end services?
Your child graduates from our program when treatment goals have been met or your child begins Kindergarten. SEED program enrollment is completely voluntary and you can discontinue services at any time. Change can be difficult for young children, so we try to ease the transition by working with caregivers to plan how the child will leave SEED.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out and message and/or call us. We will do our best to get back to you ASAP!
