FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does funding for school work?

Helping Hands Center is an ODE accredited Autism Scholarship Provider.  The Autism Scholarship Program is available to any child ages 3-22 that has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or PDD/NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disability/Not Otherwise Specified).

The ASP currently provides $20,000 per year per child in PARENT DIRECTED FUNDING.  The scholarship reimburses the provider (HHC) retroactively (at the end of each quarter) up to $7000 each quarter, not to exceed $20,000.  We request that parents pay a portion of the tuition (ranging from $22,000- $27,000 per year) each month in order to stay current on their child’s balance.  HHC does have financial aide assistance available.  Please inquire about the financial aide application after submitting an application for enrollment to the center.  Additionally, see the Billing and Funding link for more detailed information.

Who is in charge of the IEP?

The school district of residence along with the parents are responsible for maintaining and updating the IEP document, however; HHC becomes engaged in the process as soon as we get to know a student.  HHC teachers and therapists give suggestions for goals and objectives for upcoming IEPs and submit quarterly progress statements to the districts.  Representatives from Helping Hands are available to advocate for our students and attend IEPs upon request from parents.

Who provides transportation?

The parents are responsible for providing or obtaining transportation for their child.  Some students are eligible for transportation assistance through their Medicaid funding.

Who provides lunches and snacks?

Due to some of the limited diets of our students, parents provide all lunches, beverages, and snacks for their child.  Lunches can be heated in microwaves.  Please send lunches with contents that could spoil in a an insulated container or lunch box.  Additionally, we are required to follow ODJFS guidelines for nutritional purposes.  Please try to send food from as many food groups as possible in your child’s lunch each day.  If your child has any diet or allergy restrictions, please submit a note from your physician.

Is there a BEFORE or AFTERCARE or a Latchkey program?

Helping Hands Center currently offers a BEFORE CARE and AFTER CARE program daily from 8:15-8:45 and 3:00-5:00 PM for an additional cost.  Please click here to find out more information.

Does HHC encourage/schedule naps?

No, however, if a family feels that naps are an important part of their child’s schedule, we can provide a cot in the child’s classroom.  Most of our students do not nap (even 28 month olds!) as they are so busy learning and working with teachers.  Many students will fall asleep on the drive home!

How do I apply for school?

Please click here to apply 

My child already attends school or has a home program.  Can I still access private therapies at HHC?

YES!  Absolutely!  Please click here to apply 

What funding sources are accepted at HHC?

  • Autism Scholarship is currently utilized to cover the majority of the costs associated with the school program
  • Medicaid is currently utilized to cover speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  HHC is not a Caresource or Molina provider
  • Level One and I.O. Waivers may be utilized to cover summer camp for some students
  • County allotted funding (Franklin, and Delaware) is currently utilized to cover psychological and behavioral services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  In addition, Delaware County funding may be available to cover the cost of music therapy. 
  • BCMH and Help Me Grow funds are available in many counties to cover some therapies
  • Helping Hands Center is considered an “Out of Network” provider for most insurance companies.  Therefore, we do not provide direct billing to insurance for services; however, some families have had success with reimbursement from their insurance company for therapy services