There are specific dates for Medication/ Special Needs Parent Meetings. All paperwork must be not only in our hands, but also be reviewed and approved by KGC Director about 30 days prior to these deadlines.
Click below so you don't miss the deadlines!
Click below so you don't miss the deadlines!
A Note from a Parent of Special Needs Children.
I have been running programs for children for over three decades, and from the very start I have always tried my best to find ways to include those with special needs. They have always been a part of our programs. Little did I suspect at the time that I would also be the father of children with special needs one day.
For many years I have had the privilege to be involved in raising money for those in need, including March of Dimes, Polio, Leukemia, etc. We were particularly excited when we opened the Kids Fun Factory, some years ago, that we could now offer even more for those with special needs. Many of the local schools for those with disabilities, including Overbrook School for the Blind, Don Guanella, Elwyn, Pathway, and others have come to participate as a group and it brings us great joy. Please tell your friends they are welcome!
I have more than one child in my own family with special needs and I understand the difficulty you and I sometimes run into when trying to make sure we are doing all that we can for our children. Please believe me when I tell you that I really want to work with you to find the best way to fit your child into our program. Please trust my experience and advice.
There are safety risks involved in what we do here which we make every effort to manage with careful rules and well trained staff. They are risks which do not usually exist in other situations and so we are much more careful than other kids programs. I know that you would not want us to be any other way. Trusting my judgment as to how best to reduce the risk as much as possible, will help us communicate better. We both want your child to be happy.
Happy Handstands!
Mr. Kehler, Program Director
PS: Sincere ideas from thoughtful concerned parents who want their child's safety to be the first priority are always welcomed.
For many years I have had the privilege to be involved in raising money for those in need, including March of Dimes, Polio, Leukemia, etc. We were particularly excited when we opened the Kids Fun Factory, some years ago, that we could now offer even more for those with special needs. Many of the local schools for those with disabilities, including Overbrook School for the Blind, Don Guanella, Elwyn, Pathway, and others have come to participate as a group and it brings us great joy. Please tell your friends they are welcome!
I have more than one child in my own family with special needs and I understand the difficulty you and I sometimes run into when trying to make sure we are doing all that we can for our children. Please believe me when I tell you that I really want to work with you to find the best way to fit your child into our program. Please trust my experience and advice.
There are safety risks involved in what we do here which we make every effort to manage with careful rules and well trained staff. They are risks which do not usually exist in other situations and so we are much more careful than other kids programs. I know that you would not want us to be any other way. Trusting my judgment as to how best to reduce the risk as much as possible, will help us communicate better. We both want your child to be happy.
Happy Handstands!
Mr. Kehler, Program Director
PS: Sincere ideas from thoughtful concerned parents who want their child's safety to be the first priority are always welcomed.
Our Camps work well for most children and we are happy to be flexible with our curriculum. As with any child, if a child with a disability is unable to follow directions, be a good listener, stay with the group, or if they are acting or speaking in a manner which is disruptive or in any other way places them or others at risk, then the instructor will remove the child from the camp. If they require so much additional attention that there is a safety risk as determined by KGC, then we will need to dismiss them from the Camp Program.
Support staff (Aids/Therapists/Support Persons/etc) who wish to visit must make an APPOINTMENT to be trained by our Sr Manager PRIOR to the day of the visit, and must bring current copies of Child Abuse and Criminal Background clearances with them to the meeting. It is the responsibility of the PARENTS to arrange this training meeting, and normally this is done at least 30 days prior to starting camp, by sending an email to info@mykidsgym.com. (Click the button above to send email)
Parents/therapists/aids/au pairs are for safety reasons not permitted on the gym floor/ rock area, however some have watched from the sidelines while we are in the Gym, or Rock Areas and this has worked well. In the Kids Fun Factory (not gym/rock areas) parents/support aids may request SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION to go into the play activities and play with the kids, so you can be right there to give what ever support is needed. Ask to sign the parents release. Active participation by support persons, when it benefits the child, is permitted during the Kids Fun Factory, computer lab, crafts, etc.
Minors found to be in possession of any medications of any kind, may be immediately dismissed from the program with no refund and no further warning. This includes, but is not limited to, inhalers, epipens, over counter meds, prescription meds, therapeutic lotions/creams, test kits, etc. We request that whenever possible that parents avoid sending lunches which include peanuts or peanut products.
Meeting Times/ Dates are not negotiable. Call 610-359-9999 and speak to Alyssa for details or send an email by clicking the button below:
Support staff (Aids/Therapists/Support Persons/etc) who wish to visit must make an APPOINTMENT to be trained by our Sr Manager PRIOR to the day of the visit, and must bring current copies of Child Abuse and Criminal Background clearances with them to the meeting. It is the responsibility of the PARENTS to arrange this training meeting, and normally this is done at least 30 days prior to starting camp, by sending an email to info@mykidsgym.com. (Click the button above to send email)
Parents/therapists/aids/au pairs are for safety reasons not permitted on the gym floor/ rock area, however some have watched from the sidelines while we are in the Gym, or Rock Areas and this has worked well. In the Kids Fun Factory (not gym/rock areas) parents/support aids may request SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION to go into the play activities and play with the kids, so you can be right there to give what ever support is needed. Ask to sign the parents release. Active participation by support persons, when it benefits the child, is permitted during the Kids Fun Factory, computer lab, crafts, etc.
Minors found to be in possession of any medications of any kind, may be immediately dismissed from the program with no refund and no further warning. This includes, but is not limited to, inhalers, epipens, over counter meds, prescription meds, therapeutic lotions/creams, test kits, etc. We request that whenever possible that parents avoid sending lunches which include peanuts or peanut products.
Meeting Times/ Dates are not negotiable. Call 610-359-9999 and speak to Alyssa for details or send an email by clicking the button below:
Kids Fun Factory
This is perhaps the best place in our facility for those who have special needs. In the Kids Fun Factory (not gym/rock areas) parents may request SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION to go into the play activities and play with the kids, so you can be right there to give what ever support is needed. The activities have been designed to make them easy to use for most kids. We are pleased that many schools for Special Needs Kids visit as a group each year. For safety, no casts or braces permitted in the play area. Please make sure that none of your group comes injured or sick. Please read the "Participation Restrictions" at the bottom of the page.
Gymnastics Classes
Special Needs Kids: Because every Special Needs Child is different we have three options for those who have disabilities. We encourage kids with special needs to get involved. Many local therapists have recommended us to their clients and we have heard great things from them. Please tell your friends with Special Needs Kids that we welcome them to our program. The three options:
1) Regular Classes: Place the child in the same class as they would have if they did not have a disability. This works for many children and we are happy to be flexible with our curriculum. As with any child, if a child with a disability is unable to follow directions, be a good listener, stay with the group, or if they are acting or speaking in a manner which is disruptive or in any other way places them or others at risk, then the instructor will remove the child from the class. If they require so much additional attention that there is a safety risk as determined by KGC, then we will need to use another option. (Parents/therapists/ au pairs are not permitted on the floor for safety reasons)
2) We have a special Parent Participation Class (Parents/therapists/ au pairs). This class is used mainly by our students under 40 months, however we have had great success with older children in this class as well. The curriculum is designed to involve additional adults on the gym floor during the children's instruction. We teach the adult how to spot basic skills, as well as instruction on safety concerns and technique so that the additional adult can help the instructor on the gym floor. This is the best option for those who have difficulty with staying focused. Only one adult is permitted on the floor for each child.
3) Private Instruction is available for those who would like to go that route. These lessons do take some time to schedule, since we need to coordinate between our staff schedules and your schedule. This instruction is usually done w/o parents on the floor.
1) Regular Classes: Place the child in the same class as they would have if they did not have a disability. This works for many children and we are happy to be flexible with our curriculum. As with any child, if a child with a disability is unable to follow directions, be a good listener, stay with the group, or if they are acting or speaking in a manner which is disruptive or in any other way places them or others at risk, then the instructor will remove the child from the class. If they require so much additional attention that there is a safety risk as determined by KGC, then we will need to use another option. (Parents/therapists/ au pairs are not permitted on the floor for safety reasons)
2) We have a special Parent Participation Class (Parents/therapists/ au pairs). This class is used mainly by our students under 40 months, however we have had great success with older children in this class as well. The curriculum is designed to involve additional adults on the gym floor during the children's instruction. We teach the adult how to spot basic skills, as well as instruction on safety concerns and technique so that the additional adult can help the instructor on the gym floor. This is the best option for those who have difficulty with staying focused. Only one adult is permitted on the floor for each child.
3) Private Instruction is available for those who would like to go that route. These lessons do take some time to schedule, since we need to coordinate between our staff schedules and your schedule. This instruction is usually done w/o parents on the floor.
Birthday Parties |
If you have a child with special needs coming to a Party please CLICK HERE to send an e-mail to Mr. Kehler. We would like to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible for you so contact Mr. K as far in advance as possible. (30 days is usually best, however 10 days is usually workable provided there are no medications involved).
Some activities like Rock Climbing or Gymnastics may not be appropriate for all children. We allow children under these circumstances to participate in the Kids Fun Factory while the rest of the guests are in the Gym/Rock Area. There is no additional charge for this service.
Parents are not permitted on the Gymnastics or Rock Climbing Floor. Please read the "Participation Restrictions" at the bottom of the page.
Some activities like Rock Climbing or Gymnastics may not be appropriate for all children. We allow children under these circumstances to participate in the Kids Fun Factory while the rest of the guests are in the Gym/Rock Area. There is no additional charge for this service.
Parents are not permitted on the Gymnastics or Rock Climbing Floor. Please read the "Participation Restrictions" at the bottom of the page.
Participation Restrictions for All KGC Activities
The Participation Restrictions are based on Safety as the guiding force for participation decisions. The types of injuries that have happened at other similar programs include: catastrophic injury, paralysis or even death.
Please understand that some of our activities already have serious safety risks involved even for those without disabilities. Children with disabilities may have a greater risk. We make every effort to include all children whenever possible.
Those with casts, stitches, sprains, strains, fractures, contagious illnesses, or those who are experiencing pain while active may not participate for safety reasons. Those wearing hard braces on the body and or appendages may participate provided their doctor permits them to do so without the brace.We reserve the right to terminate or restrict, participation or enrollment for anyone, if we believe it is best for the safety of the student, other students, staff, or other persons.
Parents and doctors must be aware that safety is our number one concern and will be the deciding factor in our allowing any child to participate.
"Restricted Participation"
Some medical professionals may release a child for "restricted participation". Because of the unusual nature of our activities and the constant risk of falls or other injuries related to those activities, "restricted participation" permission will be treated as "no participation" in most cases. Children should wait until they are healed before returning from an injury so as not to reinjure themselves or others.
As per the USAG:
"Appreciate the Risk. Participation in gymnastics, [rock climbing, inflatables, soft play and other activities], even under the best conditions, carries with it a reasonable assumption of risk. Appreciate the fact that improper conduct of this activity can result in catastrophic injury, paralysis or even death. Know Your Limitations, Develop a healthy awareness and respect for your individual limitations in learning and performing gymnastics, [rock climbing, inflatables, soft play and other activities]."
Because we do not have a medical staff, we request that children who require medication midway through the activity have their parent in the building to administer it to them.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Kehler via e-mail if anything is unclear or if you have a suggestion. Sincere ideas from thoughtful concerned parents who want their child's safety to be the first priority are always welcomed.
Please understand that some of our activities already have serious safety risks involved even for those without disabilities. Children with disabilities may have a greater risk. We make every effort to include all children whenever possible.
Those with casts, stitches, sprains, strains, fractures, contagious illnesses, or those who are experiencing pain while active may not participate for safety reasons. Those wearing hard braces on the body and or appendages may participate provided their doctor permits them to do so without the brace.We reserve the right to terminate or restrict, participation or enrollment for anyone, if we believe it is best for the safety of the student, other students, staff, or other persons.
Parents and doctors must be aware that safety is our number one concern and will be the deciding factor in our allowing any child to participate.
"Restricted Participation"
Some medical professionals may release a child for "restricted participation". Because of the unusual nature of our activities and the constant risk of falls or other injuries related to those activities, "restricted participation" permission will be treated as "no participation" in most cases. Children should wait until they are healed before returning from an injury so as not to reinjure themselves or others.
As per the USAG:
"Appreciate the Risk. Participation in gymnastics, [rock climbing, inflatables, soft play and other activities], even under the best conditions, carries with it a reasonable assumption of risk. Appreciate the fact that improper conduct of this activity can result in catastrophic injury, paralysis or even death. Know Your Limitations, Develop a healthy awareness and respect for your individual limitations in learning and performing gymnastics, [rock climbing, inflatables, soft play and other activities]."
Because we do not have a medical staff, we request that children who require medication midway through the activity have their parent in the building to administer it to them.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Kehler via e-mail if anything is unclear or if you have a suggestion. Sincere ideas from thoughtful concerned parents who want their child's safety to be the first priority are always welcomed.