What is a social group?
A social group is a structured program designed to help individuals develop social skills, build friendships, and improve their confidence in social interactions through guided activities and discussions.

Who can benefit from participating in your social groups?
Our social groups are perfect for students who want to build genuine friendships but find it challenging, those who want to increase their confidence and conversation skills, students with and without disabilities, and anyone who is shy or feels socially awkward. We provide a supportive environment for everyone to grow and connect.

What age ranges do your social groups serve?
We offer social groups for grades 6-8, teens (grades 9-12), and adults (18-30), providing age-appropriate activities and discussions tailored to each group. We are in the process of creating a group for ages 30+.

How do you determine the appropriate social group placement for each student?
We determine group placements based on age, social skill level, and individual needs. This process involves an initial assessment to ensure each participant is placed in a group where they can thrive and benefit the most.

When are your social group sessions held?
Our social group sessions are held weekly, excluding holidays. We meet year-round. Specific days and times vary by group.

Where do your social group sessions take place?
Our social group sessions are held at our main location, 3836 Richmond Ave, lower level, 10312, Staten Island, N.Y. We also offer virtual options for those who prefer or require remote participation.

What is the structure of a typical social group session?
Each social group session is 90 minutes long. A typical session includes a mix of guided activities, interactive discussions, and socialization opportunities. Each session is designed to address specific social skills and provide practical practice in a supportive environment.

What are the costs associated with your social groups?
We charge a flat monthly fee of $279 for our social groups. This fee typically covers 4-5 sessions per month, ensuring a predictable and consistent cost for parents and guardians. The flat fee structure not only simplifies budgeting but also provides your child with a valuable, consistent social learning experience without any unexpected changes in cost.

Do you accept self-direction?

Yes, we can accept Self-Direction (SD) funds if your agency approves social skills classes for reimbursement. Please check with your Financial Intermediary (FI) for more information. If they approve it, we can either accept SD directly or complete any necessary paperwork for you to receive reimbursement.

If you wish to register for a social group but do not yet have approval or reimbursement set up through your agency, you will need to pay out of pocket initially. Once you have reimbursement set up, we can provide any documentation your agency needs to reimburse you for the sessions you have already paid for.

How do we register for a social group?

Registering for a social group involves a few simple steps:

1. Complete Our Intake Form: Start by filling out our intake form here: https://tinyurl.com/mu7zwt73

   Our team will carefully review the information you submitted to determine if we have a current group that could be a good fit based on age and social goals.

2. Initial Contact: A team member will reach out to inform you if your child qualifies for a trial session.

3. Trial Session: If we find a potential match, we’ll schedule a free trial session to observe how the participant engages with the group and assess their comfort level.
   

Within 24 hours after the trial session, we will notify you via email to let you know if the group is a good fit for your participant. Should you decide to move forward, we will send a registration form to be completed along with an invoice, which needs to be paid in full to secure your spot.

If the group isn’t the right match, we’ll add your participant to our priority waitlist and notify you when a better-fitting group becomes available.

What happens if we miss a session?

If your child misses a session due to illness, vacation, or any other reason, don't worry. You will still receive an email overview of what was covered during the session to keep you informed. We will ensure your child catches up in the following week.

Please note that we do not offer refunds for missed sessions. The occasional missed session is already factored into our monthly flat fee. We strongly encourage regular attendance to help your child get the most out of their time with us. Consistent attendance is crucial for their progress and the benefit of the entire group. Frequent absences may lead to removal from the group to maintain consistency for all members.

Are parents allowed to stay during the session?

Parents and guardians are allowed inside for drop-off and pick-up but must leave once the session starts. The privacy and comfort of our students are of the utmost importance to us. Only licensed teachers with Victoria's Educational Services are allowed to stay during the sessions.

Parents will be kept informed of the group's activities and progress through a summary email sent by the social group teacher after each session. You are welcome to reply to the weekly email with any follow-up questions for the teacher.

How many students are there in each social group?
Each social group is limited to a small number of participants to ensure personalized attention and effective interaction. The exact number varies by group but typically ranges from 4 to 8 students, with most groups having around 6 students.

What qualifications do your social group teachers have?
Our social group teachers are highly qualified professionals with backgrounds in education, special education, and social skills training. Many hold advanced degrees and have extensive experience working various types of learners, including with individuals with disabilities.

What outcomes can we expect from participating in your social groups?
Participants can expect to see significant improvements in their social skills, including better communication and interaction with peers. Our social groups are designed to help children build meaningful friendships, which can be incredibly rewarding for those who struggle to connect with others. Many of our participants also experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence, leading to a greater sense of belonging and happiness. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed socially.

Do students have opportunities to interact outside of the social group sessions?
Yes, while we do not plan outings for the students, we highly encourage parents to exchange contact information with each other using our parent email thread. After a few months in the group, our social group teacher will help students create their own group chat, which they can use to plan outings and social activities. Many of our social group students end up planning birthday celebrations together, outings to the movies or mall, hangouts at their houses, and other social events after getting to know each other in our groups. This helps reinforce the skills learned during sessions and allows for continued social development and friendship building. If there are any issues during hangouts outside of group sessions, they can be addressed during the next social group session.

What is the duration of your social group programs?
Our social group programs run year-round. Our students grow with their group, and they are welcome to stay as long as they would like to.

What options are available when my child ages out of their current social group?
When a participant ages out of their current social group, we provide options for transitioning to the next appropriate age group. We work closely with families to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.

I have a suggestion for your social groups. Where can I share it?
We value your feedback and suggestions. Please feel free to share your ideas with us by completing our suggestion form here: https://forms.gle/DEvKfkdXbLrFZGjV7

We appreciate your input and strive to continuously improve our programs.