Policies

Cancellation:

Group sessions will be cancelled if Newton schools are cancelled. Please check local news resources or the Newton Public School’s website (http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/) to find the status of school closings. Refunds or rescheduled sessions will only be offered on occasions when schools have been cancelled in Newton. If you determine that travel from your location to group is too dangerous due to weather, please leave a voicemail for your group leader.
If your child cannot attend group, please leave a voicemail on the cell phone number of the group leader as early as possible. In addition you may also leave a cancellation message on the office phone line @ (617) 795-1755.

Groups are balanced and planned for with great care and effort. If one group member is not in attendance, it can change the entire feel and outcome of the group. We expect that each client and his/her family make a full semester commitment to the group assignment and ask respectfully that you schedule travel, and appointments at times other than when the group meets. However, we also understand that there are times when a client cannot be at group. Please let your group leader know well in advance if your child will not be attending group due to an unavoidable situation.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN DUE TO ABSENCES.

Payment:

Payments are to be made in full or in 2 installments for the Fall/Winter semester.
If you are paying in full, payment is due on or before your child’s group start date for each semester. If you are paying 2 installments, half is due on or before the group start date and the 2nd half is due at the designated half way point. The Spring/Summer semester payments will be due in full or before the 1st session because these semesters are shorter.

New:
A $25.00 service charge will be added for any returned checks and an additional $25.00 service charge will be added for overdue payments (those not paid by the start date or the designated halfway point). Please note the specific dates on your invoice. There is a payment box located on the wall by the reception desk for your convenience. Please place checks in the box. No changes should be made to the payment policy without the written approval of Pamela Ely Martins.

Parking:

Parking is available in the lot across the street from the entrance to the center. Please Do Not Park Along The Curb In Front Of The Center.

Conduct:

Groups/group members are our top priority. Please stay with your child until your group leader has gathered the group and plan to pick up your child on time.  This greatly helps with smooth transitioning from group to group so that all group members receive the time and attention allotted to him/her.

It is essential to group members’ progress that all visitors wait in the waiting area.
No one should walk behind the reception desk or utilize the sensory gym area (balls and bounce area) unless accompanied by a staff member. Please limit trips beyond the waiting area (to the bathroom/kitchen trash can) to those minutes immediately before group end or after group start to reduce distractions in the Center.

Food and beverage consumption is discouraged in the waiting area. There are many places nearby that you can go to enjoy a snack.  Group members are limited to eating/drinking in the kitchen only.  If you must have food or a beverage please dispose of the trash in the kitchen trash ONLY. If a spill should occur, please bring it to the attention of the group leader at the end of the session.  They are responsible for making sure the Center is clean before they leave.

Please utilize the vestibule (space just inside the front green door) for cell phone conversations, out of respect for other client families.

Regarding Transition:

Transition is an underlying goal for each individual who is seen at The Ely Center. It is often difficult for clients to transition into and out of group time. Try not to arrive early as it can be hard to wait too long. Also transition out of The Ely Center promptly to reinforce the concepts of time management, thinking about others, and the concept of being respectful. Please note and review with your child the following expectations for expected group time behavior:
We understand that conduct is often one of the reasons our clients seek our services. These are general guidelines to discuss. We fully expect to have to do some training on these issues within the context of our group sessions as well.
We greatly appreciate your support in reinforcing The Ely Center Policies.

Please respect the needs of others:

• Use inside voices when entering the building-we are not the only tenants at 72W Rowe Street.
• Wait quietly in the designated waiting area.
• No running or climbing without permission to do so.
• No bathroom talk.