FAQ
Questions Parents Often Ask
Choosing a program for your child is a big decision. Here are answers to the questions we hear most - if yours isn't here, reach out and we're happy to talk it through. if yours isn't here, reach out and we're happy to talk it through.
Getting Started
What ages does Gentle Steps accept?
We work with children aged 1.5 to 12 years.
What conditions or needs do you support?
We work with children with a range of developmental, learning, and sensory needs - including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech and language delays, motor development delays, and behavioral or emotional regulation needs. Every child's program is individualized rather than fit into a single category.
What are your fees?
Our program fees are structured on a monthly basis, and the cost depends on the number of days per week your child attends and the type of program they are enrolled in. We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your child's needs and determine the best fit.
What are your hours and days of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
Programs & Therapy
What therapies and programs do you offer?
Our programs span four areas: early learning (autism preschool, special education, inclusive learning, school readiness), therapy and development (speech & language, occupational therapy, sensory integration, behavioral therapy, neuro therapy, and motor skills), social and independent living skills (social skills, daily living/ADL, music & art), and assessment and support for parents and teachers. See the full list on our Programs & Services page.
What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?
An IEP is a plan built specifically around your child - their abilities, priorities, and measurable milestones - rather than a fixed curriculum every child follows the same way. It's developed after assessment and adjusted as your child progresses.
What is the child-to-therapist ratio or class size?
Generally, our sessions run with a 1:2 or 1:3 teacher-to-child ratio, depending on the program and each child's needs. For preschool and early learning groups, the typical class size is 4тАУ8 children.
What languages is instruction offered in?
We currently provide services in English.
Admission & Logistics
How does the admission process work?
It starts with an initial inquiry to discuss your child's needs, followed by an assessment, goal setting, and development of an Individualized Education Plan before your child is placed into the programs best suited to them. See the full walkthrough on our Admission & IEP page.
What happens during the initial assessment?
We look at your child's existing abilities and needs across communication, behavior, learning, and motor skills, so the goals and plan we set afterward reflect where they're actually starting from.
What qualifications do your staff and therapists have?
Our team includes early childhood educators, special education teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral therapists - many with additional certifications in special needs education, early intervention, or autism-specific approaches.
Support for Families
How will I know how my child is progressing?
Progress is reviewed regularly against the goals in your child's IEP, and strategies are adjusted whenever needed rather than left unchanged for a fixed term.
Do you offer training or support for parents and teachers?
Yes - our Parent & Teacher Training program shares practical strategies so the support your child gets here continues consistently at home and at school.