Headway made! Blue Cross Blue Shield processed a claim! They denied it, but Step 1 is complete AND I know how to fix it. I’m thrilled – small progress is still progress. I’ll keep you updated when we get our first PAID claim.

We’re also all worked out with United. We’ve got a method that works to determining rather a child is eligible for service or not.

We’re throwing around a couple different ideas for expanding service at FAC. I really want to hear your feedback on these ideas, so please comment. We want to find out if there is interest in our conceptualizations.

First, I’m tossing around the idea of offering low-level service by interns. The purpose of this is threefold. 1. It gets people new to our profession experience. 2. It gives families an option to increase their level of service for cheap. 3. It gives parents a way to start service at an affordable price so that we can get the insurance ball rolling and find out if they are eligible.In this program, families could receive 5 hours of one-on-one  per week from an intern for $100. Parents would need to understand that program updates and other services needing the time of someone certified would bear and additional cost, approximately 2 hours per month at $60 per hour.

The second idea I’m kicking around is to increase access to our school program for higher functioning kids. We’ve had a lot of people asking about school for their older elementary children who are able to do the work academically, but are having social and / or behavioral difficulties. We’re considering a classroom of 8 kids with a single teacher, using the McKay, that focuses on social skills. This would allow access to our program for families with Matrix Scores of 251, 252, and 253 without extreme co-pay.

Let me know what you think! I look forward to everyone’s input.

Just wanted to let everyone know that, after much searching, we’ve found 2 new staff that we’re really excited about! Liza is going to be the teacher for our front classroom and Kim is going to be filling in for Chrystal on Fridays and doing some after-school therapy. We also are offering a position in Daytona to someone we really liked, but haven’t talked to him yet, so I don’t want to post names . . . Finally, our awesome volunteer, Julia, has decided to take our after-school activities manager position, so we’re really happy about that, too! This brings our staff to 13 AND adds a sweet baby for our nanny room – one of our new staff will be bringing her son. That means we’ll have my 22 month old and 4 month old, Jess’ 7 month old and now a 6 month old, too. That means Martha will be one busy nanny! We’re so happy to have found the right people.

Also, a reminder: TOMORROW is the last day to file intent to switch to a private school beginning October 1. Go to www.floridaschoolchoice.org to file. Call us with questions. If you haven’t filed by the end of day tomorrow, you won’t be able to use your McKay until January.

I also wanted to let everyone know about some upcoming open houses in Daytona. Tomorrow I have one at 11AM. Then, here’s the schedule for the next couple weeks. These will be with me E-mail me at info@FloridaAutismCenter.net if you’re planning to attend. We’re at the Easter Seals building (separate company, same location) at 1219 Dunn Avenue in Daytona Beach.

Open House 1: Friday, September 4 at 11AM

Open House 2: Tuesday, September 8 at 2:30PM

Open House 3: Friday, September 11 at 11AM

If you’re interested in an open house in Sanford, call the office. I know Martha has several set up – 407.413.9550.