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Clover's Top 10 SDP Funded Services in 2024 ~ 12.31.2024
Clover's Top 10 SDP Funded Services in 2024 ~ 12.31.2024
As the year nears its end and I am gearing up to review my kids’ spending plans (wish me luck) I am looking into which vendors I would like to keep and which I can do without. So to extend my gratitude to the phenomenal providers I have had the pleasure to work with, here is a list of the Top 10 SDP-funded services I used for my kids in 2024. The list is in no particular order and only really encompasses a relatively small part of LA county.
Executive Function Coach: Mindful Connections
Amanda Hsu, the brains behind the operation of Mindful Connections, has been a pleasure to work with and a staple part in Little P’s routine. She is so knowledgable and gives amazing insights into the inner machinations of Little P’s mind and has helped her grow so much in expressing herself and learning social and adaptive living skills.
2. Sensory Art Lessons: Sensory Art Factory
An absolute gem in the heart of La Crescenta, Sensory Art Factory is an amazing facility that helps its students hone their fine and gross motor skills in a fun and interesting way. Did I mention they have an entire wet room in which the students can play with ice and shaving foam to keep the facility clean? Genius and super cool! They provide private and small classes to those who do better in smaller groups. Daddy Dog is particularly pleased with all the artwork Little P has been producing and how creative the projects they are developing are.
3. Music Therapy: Cortica Care and La Musica Therapy
Little P loves and I mean loves her Music Therapist. A while ago, she would call all of her providers by the name of her music teacher and would often ask if it was time to see her hours before her actual appointment. It's no surprise as like many kids who love music and are on the spectrum, she took to it like a fish to water. Music therapy has helped Little P regulate and learn calming strategies by singing nursery rhymes to herself when she is upset and calming down.
4. Private Piano Lessons: Bloom School Of Music and Dance
The teachers present are a diamond in the rough when it comes to their adaptability and patience when working with their students of varying needs like Little P. They offer a variety of instruments to learn as well as different kinds of dance. While Little P is partial to the piano, you can often hear drums, guitar, and trumpets while you wait for your lesson in the waiting room.
5. Private Gymnastics Lessons: GymnastiKids
The GymnastiKids gym is one of the coolest places Little P’s social recs takes place. There is a foam pit, a trampoline floor that goes nearly wall to wall, tons of things to climb on, and Little P’s favorite, a rope swing that swings over the ball pit. The private lessons make it so easy for Little P to pick up on the task and perform it effortlessly with a little bit of practice.
6. Private Parkour Lessons: FR3RUNNING Society
While the foam building blocks and various surfaces for a nimble climber like Little P to climb on are similar to Gymnastics, they practice some different skills. It’s a perfect compliment for Gymnastics for Little P to work on her coordination in different environments as well as teaching her how to safely traverse different obstacles and work on her confidence!
Kid Space's Mission
Kid Space's Mission
To nurture the potential of all children through kid-driven experiences, inspiring them to become joyful, active learners.
7. Children’s Museum: Kidspace Pasadena
Did you know that you can get museum memberships with the SDP, did you also know that you can get a discount with MediCal as some of them? One of Little P’s favorite places to go is Kidspace for its interactive and educational exhibits. She adores the music garden in the back. They also have a river and wade pool that kids can go in when it gets hot outside.
8. Trampoline Park: SkyZone Alhambra
What kid doesn’t love an indoor play structure to play on? SkyZone is the perfect place for Little P and her friends to have a fun afternoon jumping off the walls (literally) and when we don’t have planned to meet her sensory needs in her packed schedule since Little P needs sensory input and an activity every day.
9. Indoor Swimming Lessons and Open Swim: YMCA
Both Little P and Cool Cat C enjoy being in the pool, although Little P is not the strongest swimmer. The shorter classes and flexible staff has been a great resource for Little P to learn at her own pace. They also have plenty of other sports to learn and we used our budget to get a family membership so I could also get a work out in when I have the time!
10. Kids Cooking Classes, Camps, and Private Lessons: Radical Cooks
Cool Cat C and Little P love helping out in the kitchen, in particular, Cool Cat C enjoys baking sweet treats for her friends. Having cooking classes for them has been invaluable in helping both of my kids become independent as well as their safety awareness in the kitchen and their fine motor skills.
All of the amazing service providers I have met along the way have been invaluable and could not have been possible. It has helped my children to grow and thrive so fast in a way that I could have only dreamed. If you want to learn more about how to get any of these services, fill out our Family Services Intake Form to get started!
Sensory Friendly Gift Ideas ~ 12.21.2024
Sensory Friendly Gift Ideas ~ 12.21.2024
Need last minute Christmas gifts for your little ones? Here are some sensory friendly gift ideas:
1. Storypod: For the children’s storybook lovers out there, Storypod is an interactive, language based learning platform. All you need is a pod and some of the content that comes preloaded into stuffed animals, books, numbered blocks, and more to help them learn how to read and count to their favorite songs and books!
2. Toddler Trampoline, Sensory Swivel Chair, or Outdoor Swing: Your little one bouncing off the walls and furniture while they’re all cooped up inside for the holidays? Get them a safe outlet for their boundless energy with a toddler trampoline, a sensory swivel chair, or an outdoor swing!
3. Hug Sleep Pod: Does your loved one love deep pressure input and feel more regulated when all cacooned up in a blanket? Get this Sleep Pod wearable blanket that is also in a breathable material so they can feel secure but not overheat during warm nights!
4. Water Reveal Coloring Book, Play Kitchen Set, Magnetic Tiles: For the Christmas shoppers on a budget, here are some ideas for gifts under $20! From developing fine motor skills to brain teasers, the possibilities are endless to help your special needs loved one develop skills while also having fun.
While this post is for December, all of the gifts on this list can be given during birthdays and other special events your family may celebrate! And these sensory items can also be covered by SDP funds.
The Clovers wish you a Happy Holidays and New Year!
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