Respite Care at the Sensory Zone
Nurturing a child with neurological, physical, or cognitive diversity places substantial strain, stress, and responsibilities on parents or guardians. Even a brief hour away from the child can wield a profound impact on one's mental, emotional, and psychological well-being, revitalizing the spirit, soul, and energy levels. At the Keep Calm Sensory Zone, emphasizing the importance of self-care and stress management is paramount. Families engaged in our Respite Care program at the Sensory Zone can opt for durations ranging from 1 to 3 hours per day, allowing flexibility to meet their specific needs.
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What makes our Respite Program unique?
Excursions
The Sensory Zone will venture into the community on fun excursions with our respite kiddos on the weekends! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, families can sign their child up for a 4-hour time slot during which staff from the Sensory Zone will hang out with the children at a local fun opportunity. Each week will be a different-themed excursion. All excursions are included in the cost of respite care — transportation to and from excursions provided. Non-expired car seats or boosters are required and must be provided by the family. All respite kids going on excursions will need to have a completed excursion permission slip on file.
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Our fun excursions are designed to cater to a variety of interests. They can include an outdoor splash pad with popsicles, a Nature hike with ice cream, a Zoo with a train ride, a Farm visit with snacks and a U-pick strawberry farm, craft a
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Excursions are not designed for children who need 1:1 support or may elope. Respite care at the Sensory Zone is perfect for them!
Play with Purpose
"Play with Purpose" offers a unique and enriching experience, encouraging individuals to explore their senses through hands-on activities. Our innovative approach goes beyond traditional play by incorporating purposeful tasks that engage all five senses. From tactile experiments to visually captivating challenges and immersive auditory experiences, we create a dynamic environment fostering joy and personal growth. Join us in redefining play as a meaningful exploration of the senses, where every interaction becomes a fulfilling adventure. Unleash your creativity, connect with your surroundings, and elevate your sense of purpose through purposeful play.
Engaging Schedules
Explore a fresh realm of purposeful play through our well-organized and captivating experiences. We skillfully combine considerate design with interactive activities, forming a distinct environment where purposeful play intersects with meaningful engagement. Immerse yourself in a world where each moment is deliberate, nurturing personal growth and enjoyment. Enhance your play journey with us, where structure meets thrill, and purpose effortlessly intertwines with every playful interaction
Hangout Buddies
The Sensory Zone has collaborated with UW Madison to provide a community-based learning opportunity for individuals pursuing careers in education, special education, occupational therapy, speech pathology, nursing, and more. These dedicated volunteers have the chance to intentionally and positively interact with your children, fostering lifelong skills. Hangout Buddies undergo thorough training in pediatric mental health, coping skills, and effective engagement with children who have diverse abilities. We also have five part-time respite workers on our staff, and outside the community-based learning program.
Securing your Respite Time
Step 1
Tell us about your child
Please fill out the child information form, providing details that will assist us in customizing a respite care program based on their needs. This ensures that your child's time with us is personalized and memorable.
Step 2
Choose the option that best fits your family's need.
Do you have CLTS?
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Inform your Case Manager that you are interested in respite care at the Sensory Zone.
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Consider your family's schedule and needs to determine the number of hours per week that you can allocate for respite care at the Sensory Zone.
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Have your Case Manager complete your child's prior authorization for respite care and email it to respite@keepcalmtoolkit.com.
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Once you have the necessary information, use our signup page to secure your preferred respite date(s) and time(s) at the Sensory Zone. CLICK HERE to sign up.
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Please let us know on your child information form that you have CLTS, and we will work with your case manager to bill CLTS for your respite time. ​
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Don't have CLTS?
You can pay $22 an hour for your child to participate in all the fun of the Sensory Zone and have their play pass included in the price. You can pay online or in the Sensory Zone. CLICK HERE to purchase.
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Step 3
Pick your date(s) and time(s) for respite care. Parents can secure 1 - 3 hours per day.
Secure child's hangout time!
(Respite Hours)
Our scheduling system is designed with your convenience in mind. To sign up, click on the week you need care. Note: The Sensory Zone is closed on Mondays.
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Schools out programming also being added this week!
Afterschool group respite care now offered!
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