Frequently Asked Questions about SCCD
Where are you located?
1460 NW Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64118 Suite A
What are your hours?
Our center is open 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
Do you offer autism testing and diagnosis?
SCCD does not provide testing or diagnostic services. For a list of providers, view our resource list here
What insurance do you accept?
Summit Center for Child Development accepts a variety of insurance plans-Please contact us to determine if your plan qualifies. Since we are qualified as an “early childhood special education center” in Missouri, we also contract with area school districts. If you are a district admin, feel free to contact us to discuss rates and terms.
What credentials and experience do your staff have?
All of the therapists at SCCD are Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). This certification is given when a therapist completes 40 hours of coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis, passes an assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and passes the RBT Exam. In addition to the RBT training, we require all staff to complete training in our errorless methods of teaching and shadow all clients at the center until they have passed our own standards of training. All RBTs have must have current Basic Life Support certification and have passed two background checks.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) supervise the RBTs on a weekly basis and provide feedback and training on all protocols and targets. They conduct the assessments and re-asses clients every 6 months, write the treatment plans and monitor progress of the child and modify changes to treatment based on progress. BCBAs are required to have a master’s degree or PhD in ABA, psychology, or a related field. In addition to that, they complete certification coursework, a minimum of 2000 hours of experience, and pass the BCBA exam.
What is the staff to child ratio?
We provide one on one therapy with all clients! Each child has a dedicated therapist that stays with them for the duration of their sessions. If they are full time, they will have one assigned therapist in the morning and another in the afternoon.
How long are therapy sessions?
We offer a morning session from 8am-12pm and an afternoon session from 12-4pm. Students typically attend either part time (20 hours a week, morning or afternoon sessions only) or full time (40 hours a week, both sessions)
Will I have the opportunity to observe therapy?
SCCD has an open door policy! Parents/caregivers are always welcome to come observe their loved one. Additionally, parent support sessions occur in the center, and we offer fun on-site events throughout the year that families are welcome and encouraged to attend.
What communication channels are in place to keep parents involved and informed?
BCBAs are always available by phone and email to answer questions, offer support, or to share exciting moments from sessions! Therapists see parents and caregivers at drop-off and pick-up, and maintain daily note folders that get sent home each day. This is a space for them to write down specifics from the day regarding progress, meals, and toileting, but also to share special moments and send home reminders.
SCCD uses a text message system to send out reminders and inform parents of things like closures and late starts due to weather. We also maintain social media channels on Instagram and Facebook that you can grant or waive photo consent for your child to be featured on.
Does my child need to be potty trained in order to attend?
Nope! Our center has two bathrooms with both typical and child-size toilets, and potty training is a common goal that we help learners reach. If your child is still in diapers/pull-ups, that's fine too! Our therapists assist in all areas of toileting, including changes.
Will my child have a schedule during the day?
Meal times and certain activities like circle time, art, and PE occur at designated times each day, but because each child's program is individualized, we do not follow a schedule as a whole. Throughout each session, learners will spend time working at their table, practicing play and social skills, attending group activities, utilizing peer models, accessing the playground, and of course, playing!
Are meals provided?
Snacks and meals are not provided by SCCD, but should be sent with your child. We have fridge, freezer, and pantry space available, so you may send a lunchbox or send items in reasonable quantities to be used throughout the week. (We are also able to heat up meals in the microwave)
Will my child get to spend any time outside?
Yes! We are thrilled to give all our learners access to our fenced-in playground. Kids may use this space at any time, weather permitting.
Will my child be able to nap while at school?
If needed, we allow for naps up to 1 hour. This is due to insurance restrictions and also to reduce lost therapy time for your child.
What happens if my child's therapist is out sick or on vacation?
From time to time your child’s therapist may be out sick or on vacation and we do our best to pair your child with another RBT or BCBA as a substitute to avoid cancelling the session. If that is not possible, we will give you as much notice as possible that we must cancel the session. We know that even though this is therapy, it doubles as childcare since many of you have jobs, so we do our best to provide consistent therapy.
Do you offer Speech or OT services?
SCCD is happy to collaborate with speech and occupational therapy providers, but we do not offer these services directly. For a list of providers in the KC area, you can visit our resource page here.