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Parents’ guide – Respite, school breaks and summer camp 2020/2021

5 August 2020
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Hello,
Welcome to the world of Autisme Estrie’s respite home.
We are delighted to welcome you to this warm and caring environment.
Through this guide, you will learn about the organization’s services, how it works and what we expect from you.
Rest assured that we will make every effort to ensure that you feel welcome and that your child’s stay is as pleasant as possible.

Christine Houde (Executive Director) and the entire Autisme Estrie team.

 

THE TEAM :

• Christine Houde:

Executive Director of the organization since 2013. Specialized educator for over 22 years, with university training in human resources management. She also held the position of assistant director in a daycare center for about 6 years. Responsible, among other things, for children with special needs, pedagogy and human resources. Mother of two children, one with special needs. Strong-willed, passionate about people, always wanting to help more.

• Caroline Gelly:

Community worker and executive assistant since March 2017 at Autisme Estrie. Efficient, professional, passionate, committed and human, Caroline has extensive expertise with our clientele and their families. A zootherapist by training, she has been working with people with autism spectrum disorders and/or intellectual disabilities for over 10 years now.

• Sarah Pagé:

Clinical intervener since March 2019 at the organization. Sarah made her debut at Autisme Estrie as a respite and summer camp worker in 2018. She has a university degree in psychology, social work and pedagogy. A versatile, open-minded and passionate woman, she takes her work to heart and is keen to ensure the well-being of the organization’s participants.

 

The team also includes several part-time support workers . They are trained or in the process of being trained in the field of intervention, or a related field, and all have a love of customers.

 

The purpose of this policy is to inform parents of the terms and conditions applicable to the provision and administration of services, with a view to ensuring the quality and safety of services, equity for all, the organization’s management efficiency and the smooth operation of services.

 

OUR MISSION :

Autisme Estrie’s mission is to contribute to the well-being of Estriens with autism spectrum disorders, their families and loved ones.

I – Eligibility :

Depending on the organization’s capacity, eligibility for services is determined on the basis of the compatibility of individuals, assessed according to their specific needs and characteristics, the composition of groups and the resource’s supervision capacity (number of caregivers and intervention requirements). The target clientele must be aged 5 and over.

 

II – Objectives :

For families of people with an autism spectrum disorder/ASD or related disorder affecting their development or social functioning:

1. Contribute to a balanced family life;
2. Avoid burnout of parents or foster families.

For persons admitted to :

1. Expanding and maintaining the circle of community life ;
2. Varied and adapted activities;
3. Reframing behavior to meet individual needs ;
4. Learning to live with others and to deal with them on a daily basis.

 

III – Values :

Customers and their families are surrounded by a qualified, caring team, whose actions and decisions are guided by the following values:

1. Accessibility, equity and quality of services ;
2. Respect and understanding;
3. Transparency (open communication, listening, clear rules) ;
4. Discretion and confidentiality;
5. Consistency and continuity;
6. Creativity that takes into account the interests, abilities and limitations of individuals and the organization.

 

IV – Approach :

The recommended approach is personalized and systemic, taking into account the strengths and difficulties of the people using the services. Services are provided :

• In a structured environment ;
• With the use of visual cues (timetable, communication booklet, pictograms, gestures, photos, visual sequence, etc.);
• By intervening preventively to avoid disorganization;
• By managing crises with appropriate interventions (prevention, quiet room, oasis room, withdrawal, etc.);
• In consultation with the family and partners (school, rehabilitation center, CSSS, etc.).

 

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES OFFERED :

• Day camp : Summer camp runs from early July to mid-August. It lasts seven (7) weeks over five (5) days, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Daycare : To accommodate parents, daycare can be offered from 8:00 a.m. and until 5:00 p.m., depending on demand and available resources.
  
• Weekend respite : Respite is offered from Friday evening 7:00 p.m. to Sunday 4:30 p.m., from the beginning of September to the end of June each year. No weekend respite is offered during the summer.

• Educational days and holidays (30 per year) : A wide variety of activities are planned, organized and led according to the interests, abilities and needs of the clientele: craft workshops, music, cooking, etc.).

 

PROGRAMMING :

• Day camp: Activities are programmed daily to stimulate the senses, concentration and fine and gross motor skills, according to different themes. Activities are structured to promote autonomy and maintain acquired skills. They also aim to maintain daily routine skills (meals, dressing and hygiene, etc.).

• Weekend respite and pedagogical days: Stimulation activities appeal to the cognitive, motor, social and sensory spheres of development. Outings can be planned, usually to the local park.

CAPACITY AND LOCATION :

Autisme Estrie has a capacity of 9 participants. For the summer camp, the organization rents premises to accommodate around 50 participants.

• Supervision :

Supervision is provided by a team of skilled instructors who are constantly present with the participants. The caregiver/participant ratio is one (1) caregiver for every three (3) to four (4) participants. It varies according to the autonomy, characteristics and needs of the people admitted. All intervention staff receive training in the various issues and intervention approaches to ensure optimal operation of activities.

A request may be made for support based on a ratio of one (1) support worker to one (1) participant. In this case, costs will be borne by the parents if they are not subsidized, depending on eligibility under existing CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS support programs.

• Exclusion:

A person may be refused if the organization is unable to provide the necessary supervision to meet safety standards and balance the different groups, taking into account their specific needs and characteristics.

As an exceptional measure, the service may be interrupted if a participant behaves in a way that threatens his or her safety or that of other participants and/or caregivers. In addition, parents may be called upon to pick up their child at any time during a service if the participant is non-functional or aggressive.

 

PRICING AND PAYMENT OF FEES AT AUTISME ESTRIE :

Services	Description	Rates
Day Camp and School Holidays	Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.	52 / day
Weekend respite	Friday 7:00 pm to Sunday 4:30 pm	160 / respite
Friday weekend half-breaks	Friday 7:00 pm to Saturday 4:00 pm	85 / half-break
Saturday weekend half-repit	From Saturday 4:00 pm to Sunday 4:30 pm	98 / half-break
Daycare	Monday to Friday Period #1: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Period #2: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.	16 / period 2 participants and more: $8/person Minimum charge: $8
Daycare service	Friday before a respite (if pedagogical vacation) 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm	48$
Late fee		16 / hour Minimum charge: $8

Respite services or pedagogical days should ideally be paid for on the day of service or within 30 days, by cheque or cash, or by direct transfer (only for Desjardins customers).

For special situations, an agreement may be reached with management.

In addition to the fees for the above services, the following fees apply:

• Compulsory, non-refundable annual membership card, valid from April¹ to March 31 of the following year (see the Become a member page for membership benefits and rates);
• Cheque refused by bank: $15 fee;
• Overdue account: interest at 2% per month (the organization reserves the right to refuse access to services in the event of non-payment).
• Absence due to illness or serious behavioral problems, once the participant has arrived or before arrival. No fee will be charged. Only the portion of the service used, if any, will be charged;
• Notification of a participant’s absence (respite and school vacations) seven (7) days or more prior to the service: no charge;
• Notification of absence from summer camp: It is very important to notify us as soon as possible of any absence at 819 822-3918 and to indicate specifically the days on which the participant will be absent. No refunds will be given for these absences. However, the day may be rescheduled depending on capacity (places available in the group meeting the participant’s specific needs).
• Any other absence from a service will be billed;
• Special situation: please contact management.

TRANSPORT :

Families who are unable to provide their own transportation must make a request to the Société de Transport de Sherbrooke’s paratransit service at (819) 566 – 1848. It is important to note that the responsibility for requesting, cancelling or changing transportation lies exclusively with the parents, not with the organization.

 

PARTICIPANTS’ HEALTH :

• Medication procedure :

The authorization form for the administration of medication(Access to Pharmaceutical Record) must be completed by the parent or legal guardian at the start of services. Failure to do so may result in the participant being sent home. The parent must hand deliver the medication to the group leader. For respite care, a medication bag will be provided to ensure proper transfer of medication. Medication must be in a “dispill” prepared by the pharmacy. The caregiver will store the medication under lock and key. For paratransit participants, families must inform the group leader in advance of the location of the medication in the participant’s bag. Parents are responsible for collecting their children’s medication on departure.

• Prescription drugs :

For prescription medication, the parent or guardian must provide a sealed pharmacy dispenser, indicating the participant’s name and the day and time of medication administration. Upon request, any pharmacy can prepare prescription medication in a plastic pod. These plastic pods, also known as “dispills”, are the most widely used form of prescription medication. only type of medication container accepted. Homemade bottles, bags, or compartments without the pharmacy label will not be accepted. If a participant shows up with a non-compliant container, the parent or guardian must immediately go to the pharmacy to obtain one or leave with the participant.

• Over-the-counter drugs :

If a participant needs to take occasional medication (such as acetaminophen, gravol, etc.), it must be identified and handed to the group leader upon arrival. A written authorization form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and given to the group leader, giving instructions on how to administer the medication.

• Prevention of contagious diseases :

SICK PARTICIPANTS: Autisme Estrie has neither the physical facilities nor the personnel required by a sick participant. Autisme Estrie works closely with parents to maintain a healthy environment for participants and does everything in its power to limit the risk of contracting or transmitting illnesses.

Participants and staff at risk of contagion are asked not to attend. In addition, if vomiting or diarrhea has occurred in the last twenty-four (24) hours, Autisme Estrie will not be able to integrate the participant for this respite. Participants are not admitted if they are unable to participate in the activities and life of the home.

SYMPTOMS OCCURRING DURING SERVICES: If a participant develops a temperature (over 38.^5o) or is ill during the day and his/her condition deteriorates or the temperature persists, the parent will be notified immediately and will be asked to pick up the child. In the event of vomiting, the participant will be removed immediately. In the case of a liquid bowel movement, withdrawal is automatic after the second bowel movement.

Participants with any of the following symptoms will be refused upon arrival at the Autisme Estrie home or returned if they appear during the stay:

• Temperature of 38.5°Celsius or higher;
• A contagious disease or rash for which the diagnosis is unknown;
• Vomiting, diarrhea within the last 24 hours;
• Conjunctivitis (red, purulent inside of the eye);
• A general state of collapse, which, in the judgment of the service manager, prevents the participant from keeping up with the rest of the group;
• A deep, persistent cough.

Should any of these problems arise during the service, parents will be notified and asked to pick up their child as soon as possible. The participant may return to the service as soon as he or she is no longer experiencing the problem that caused his or her withdrawal. In the case of a gastrointestinal symptom, the participant may return to the service twenty-four (24) hours after the last symptom (see section G: Absence or cancellation (fees) – during respites).

• First aid :

By registering your child with Autisme Estrie, you authorize the staff to administer first aid to the participant, if the situation so requires. In the event of an emergency, or if it is impossible to reach one of the people identified on the form, the participant may be transported by ambulance to a hospital. Any costs incurred will be billed to the participant’s family.

 

FOR SMOOTH RUNNING :

• Arrival and departure of participants :

Arrivals and departures are controlled to ensure the safety of participants. The procedure is as follows:

• The parent or guardian returns the participant to the checkroom and collects him or her from the same place at the end of the day (the parent is responsible for dressing and undressing the child);
• The group leader indicates arrival and departure times on the attendance sheet and validates medication;
• Please respect arrival times for the various services, otherwise charges will apply.

Any person other than the parents must be authorized to pick up the participant on an exceptional basis. In this respect, the names of these persons must be given to the person in charge of the service on the same day, or they must have notified the office in the days preceding the service. It is important to speak in person to the general manager or clinical supervisor (do not leave the message on the voice mail).

• Dress code:

Since participants move around a lot during the day, it’s important that they wear comfortable clothing that’s appropriate for the weather and air-conditioning conditions. Sneakers or sport sandals with straps are highly recommended. Spare clothes are also always useful.

• Materials required:

Each day (depending on the season), the participant’s bag must contain the following items:

• Meals and snacks (pedagogical vacations and summer camp only) ;
• Hat or cap or warm clothing in winter;
• Sunscreen ;
• Change of clothes and personal effects (incontinence pants, sanitary towels, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
• Bathing suit/towel.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CLOTHES ARE NOT WASHED AT THE ORGANIZATION.

• Identification :

All objects and clothing must be clearly identified with the participant’s first and last name. The organization is not responsible for the loss or breakage of personal items. It is not recommended to bring valuables (Nintendo, iPod, MP3, etc.) unless authorized by a clinical staff member for a specific intervention.

At all times, before leaving Autisme Estrie, parents must check that nothing is missing from the participant’s personal belongings. If anything is missing, they must inform the caregiver.

• Meals and snacks :

To help prepare lunches and snacks for summer camp and pedagogical days:

• Microwave ovens are available for participants;
• Lunch boxes will not be refrigerated: please bringice packs;
• One period is reserved for a snack in the morning and another in the afternoon;
• If a participant has a severe food allergy, the parents of the group will be notified;
• During school breaks and summer camp, participants must arrive with a full meal (including lunch and at least two snacks).

Please do not include food that may contain peanuts, traces of peanuts or seafood.

• Respite feeding:

During its annual respite programs, Autisme Estrie offers a varied and balanced cuisine to meet the nutritional needs of its participants. The organization pays particular attention to the quality of the meals and snacks provided. The person assigned to food service is required to comply with the menu approved by general management. Whenever possible, snacks should include fresh fruit and vegetables, yogurt, etc.

 

• Allergies and special diets :

For the safety of the participant, Autisme Estrie must post the name of the participant suffering from food allergies in the kitchen and in any other area where the participant may be present. This posting includes the participant’s name, photo, allergy and the protocol to follow in the event of a reaction. All information must be signed by the parent in order to be effective.

During respites, participants are not allowed to bring food (other than a special diet).

 

COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE :

We look forward to hearing from you. Your comments and suggestions are very important in improving our services.

Telephone: (819) 822 – 3918

E-mail: reception@autisme-estrie.com