WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT TO the SPOT.
Starting somewhere new can feel like a big step — for children and grown-ups alike. We want your first visit to The SPOT to feel calm, welcoming, and completely pressure-free.
There's nothing your child needs to do or prepare for. We simply meet them where they are, follow their lead, and let them get comfortable in their own time. Here's what you can expect when you visit.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR first visit.
Fill out your intake form
Once you’re signed up for a program, you'll receive an intake form through Jane, so we can get to know your child before your visit. If anything's unclear, we're always happy to help — just reach out.
Bring the everyday essentials
Pack whatever helps your child feel comfortable — a water bottle, a snack, a diaper bag, or a favourite comfort item.
Sensory + AAC Tools
A friendly reminder to pack and bring along your child’s sensory tools and/or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems if these are part of your family’s daily routine.
A change of clothes
Our space is designed to support sensory exploration, water play, art, and other hands-on activities, so your child's clothes may get wet or messy. A spare outfit to change into at the end of the visit will help make the transition home more comfortable.
FINDING US IN VANCOUVER.
Getting to The SPOT
We're easy to reach by transit — about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Main Street-Science World Station or Olympic Village Station. If you are coming by car, paid street parking is available on many nearby streets. Please note that parking is not available in the building parkade.
When you arrive
Come in through the front entrance, turn left, and then take the elevator up to the second floor to find us.
You're welcome to settle into the seating area near the elevator or explore the open play area while you wait.
A quick note on shoes
Just inside, after you exit the elevators on the second floor, you'll find a shoe rack — we're a shoes-off space for both children and grown-ups, to keep our play areas clean and comfortable for everyone.
Supervision at Appointment Drop-Off + Pick-Up
A parent or caregiver must stay until your child is greeted by their therapist — and be back in time for pick-up.
AT DROP-OFF
To help ensure the safety and well-being of all children and youth, we kindly ask that parents/caregivers remain with their child until they are greeted by their therapist and their appointment begins. As The SPOT does not have dedicated reception or administrative staff available to supervise clients, children and youth cannot be dropped off or left unattended before their session.
AT PICK-UP
At the end of the appointment, we ask that parents/caregivers arrive on time for pick-up. While there are reception staff on the main floor, they support the entire building and are not able to supervise or attend to The SPOT’s clients. For this reason, children and youth must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver while waiting before or after their appointment.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and welcoming environment for all families.
EXPLORE the SPOT.
Every child and youth is different, and the environment that helps them learn, connect, and regulate can change from moment to moment. That's why The SPOT is designed with a variety of spaces to support different needs, interests, and therapy goals.
COMMON spaces.
Our shared spaces are available for exploration, movement, play, and connection throughout the centre. These areas are open to all clients and may be used during therapy sessions, small groups, community programs, or open play opportunities. We are intentional with our scheduling of different programs to ensure our common spaces feel safe and comfortable for everyone.
Our common spaces include:
A well-equipped gross motor open play area
A spacious outdoor patio play space
A cozy pretend play area
A quiet, calming sensory room
These spaces offer opportunities for children and youth to move, play, practice skills, and engage with their environment in ways that feel meaningful and intrinsically motivating.
THERAPY rooms.
Every client receiving 1-to-1 services has access to a dedicated therapy room—a private, predictable, safe space where they can work with their therapist, take breaks, and focus on their goals away from the busier common areas.
While each 1-to-1 client will have their own reserved therapy room, our clients are always welcome to come and go from their therapy rooms. Children and youth are encouraged to work with their therapist to find the spaces that help them feel the most comfortable, engaged, and successful during their therapy sessions. For some, that may be a therapy room; for others, it may be a sensory space, a movement area, or another part of The SPOT.
Our goal is to provide both the privacy and quietness of a reserved therapy space along with the flexibility for clients to learn and participate in the environments that work best for them.
COME SEE FOR yourself
The best way to know if The SPOT is right for your family is to come and feel the space for yourself.
We'd love to show you around!
Tours are for grown-ups — a chance for you to see the space and ask questions, so your child's first time here can be calm and unhurried.
Have a question?
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