Parents' Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are your hours of operation?

   wm+a Associates can provide support during working hours, evenings or weekends. We provide support that fits in with you and your child's schedule � whether that be at a centre or at home.

2. Can parents schedule support without a referral?

   Yes. wm+a provides fee-for-service support, whether that be requested by a parent or professional. Please call our scheduling team at 416 367 5968 and they will be happy to discuss how we can tailor our services to support individual needs.

3. Is there a waitlist for services?

   No, we can supply staff on demand.

4. Does my child need to have a confirmed diagnosis to be eligible for services?

   No. We can help children and adults with a broad range of developmental exceptionalities, with or without a specific diagnosis.

5. Does wm+a have police background checks for all associates?

   Yes. All employees and associates working with wm+a must have a clear police check prior to starting work with us.

6. What are wm+a associates qualifications?

   Our associates' qualifications depend on the individual and the nature of support they are providing. All of our associates have completed at least the Child Youth Worker Diploma, and have current CPI and UMAB Certification.

7. Do you provide parent training?

   We provide regular workshops covering a variety of subjects related to development. If you are interested in attending any of our workshops on Autism or any other topic, please call to discuss available sessions.

8. Can IBI help my child?

   wm+a has found success with IBI for children with a multitude of diagnosis. IBI is intended for children with a diagnosis of Autism, but these are principles that in our experience can apply beyond the autistic spectrum. Please contact us to discuss suitability for IBI therapy on an individual basis.

9. Is there an age limit to IBI services?

   At wm+a we are willing to provide IBI services to children of any age. The definition of IBI expresses a particular focus on children with Autism, and there have been reports that IBI specifically serves children under the age of 6, but it is our belief that children of any age with developmental exceptionalities can benefit from an approach using IBI.

10. How soon will I see changes in my child?

    Every child and every situation is different. When embarking on a program you will be able to discuss what changes you might expect.

    Communication is the area you are most likely to see the first changes. Pay particular attention to how your child engages with you and the surrounding environment. Look for changes with use of communication � whether that be gestures, complexity of speech or length of sentences.

Organizations Frequently Asked Questions

1. How quickly can you get an associate out to help?

   We offer staff on demand, often providing associates within 24 hours, and in a crisis situation we are able to schedule immediate support.

2. Do your associates do "over nights"?

   Yes. We are able to provide associates that can support individuals overnight or at the weekends as well as during the day or evening.

3. Does wm+a have police background checks for all associates?

   Yes. All staff working with wm+a must have a clear police check prior to starting work with us.

4. What are wm+a associates qualifications?

   Our associates' qualifications depend on the individual and the nature of support they are providing. All of our associates have completed at least the Child Youth Worker Diploma, and hold current CPI and UMAB certification.

5. How do I book an associate?

   To book an associate please call our scheduling team on 416 367 5968. Associates will not accept bookings directly from you.

6. When can I expect to receive my invoice?

   You will receive it by the 10th of the month following services rendered. For example February's invoice will be issued and mailed by March 10th.

7. What payment options are available?

   We accept cheques and inter-bank transfers. Please contact wm+a Office Manager Brandy Cubitt at 416 367 5968 extension 221 for bank details.

Associates Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the pay rate?

   The hourly rate for each client varies depending on the request from the customer and level of support required. This information will be provided by our Scheduling department when the contract is being offered to an associate.

2. How do I renew my contract?

   If the client has requested that you stay on an assignment longer, please put them in touch with our scheduling department who will be able to organize an extension if required.

3. Do I need to submit an invoice along with a school timesheet?

   Yes. The school timesheet is used by the School Boards to match the hours billed by wm+a to the hours requested for each client. The invoice is needed to let wm+a know how much money is owed to each associate for the work they completed in school.

4. Who do I contact regarding time sheets/lateness/absences?

   Any questions about timesheets, receipt of logs, or payment can be addressed to wm+a Office Manager Brandy Cubitt at 416 367 5968 extension 221. Any questions regarding scheduling (lateness, absence, request for time off) can be addressed by wm+a scheduling team at 416 367 5968.

5. Will I be reimbursed for expenses?

   We will reimburse for kilometers, parking and any expenses whilst the client is in the vehicle, providing any travel is pre-approved. Any questions about travel expenses please call wm+a Office Manager Brandy Cubitt at 416 367 5968 extension 221.

6. Is there a possibility for advancement and how can I work toward advancing to a higher level position?

   The opportunity for career progression is something that we are passionate about at wm+a. We provide many workshops for our associates that can both further your knowledge base and enable wm+a to provide a professional, continually improving service.

   Because of our huge growth at wm+a, we're in a unique position to actively seek out and encourage those that have shown advancement and ability, particularly Instructor Therapists who are keen to progress.

   If you are an Instructor Therapist with an in depth understanding of the field, a desire to grown and learn, and sense of leadership, we would be excited to discuss a future career path with you. We have in the past promoted both Instructor Therapists to Lead Therapists and Lead Therapists to Senior Therapists. In order to be an ST, you need to be enrolled in a relevant Masters programme, have shown your ability to learn and lead, and have a passion for working in the area of children's growth and learning.

   If you're a Child Youth Worker interested in becoming an IT, we would happy to discuss this career path with you � please call 416 367 5968 and ask to talk to our HR department.

Definitions

1. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

   The applied research of behavior from a natural science perspective. It is one of four domains of behavior analysis: the philosophy of behavior analysis, basic research, applied research, and practice guided by the science. ABA provides the technology for application.

2. Crisis Prevention Intervention(CPI)

   CPI is a training program that provides strategies for resolving situations when confronted by hostile or violent behaviour. All wm+a associates hold current CPI certification.

3. Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI)

   IBI is a structured approach to breaking down the barriers that isolate children with autism from the world around them. Specially trained IBI therapists work intensively with children either one-on-one or in small groups, using systematic methods derived from principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis to promote development and change inappropriate or unsafe behaviour. Research has shown that IBI should be commenced early because very young children can gain the most from this approach.

   IBI is individual and program goals are based on a thorough assessment of each child's unique strengths and needs. The practical approach to therapy allows a focus on developing the skills each child needs for greater independence.

4. Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviours (UMAB)

   UMAB is a copyright Canadian training course that provides the knowledge and skills needed to creatively and safely manage situations where there is a potential for unsafe behaviour.