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Spirited Play Labs: A Proven Partner in Neurodivergent Family Wellness

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Member Survey Results - One-Pager

Table of Contents

A Spring 2025 survey of our members confirmed what families already know: SPL is a trusted, high-impact support that fills critical gaps in care.

When we opened Spirited Play Labs 3.5 years ago, it was like a shot in the dark. Would families join us and receive the care and connection that seemed to be missing in the typical medical model of therapy? Would membership work? And would larger systems grow to accept this model as part of the greater therapeutic journey for neurodivergent and disabled children? Well, in short, YES!

A Summary Of Our Results

Spirited Play Labs (SPL) conducted a comprehensive member feedback survey in Spring 2025. The survey was designed and administered in collaboration with Dr. Charlotte Hill, a neurodivergent researcher and organizational consultant, as well as a current SPL member.

The SPL Member survey reveals overwhelmingly positive feedback…

  • Families report reduced isolation, increased confidence, and a deeper sense of community since joining SPL.
  • Nearly all respondents agree that SPL meets needs that no other service addresses.
  • Younger caregivers and non-binary respondents reported especially high satisfaction with SPL.

Across nearly every metric, families report that SPL is delivering life-changing benefits…

  • A rare sense of inclusion and validation
  • Greater emotional well-being and confidence
  • Practical support navigating complex systems
  • More joy, freedom, and connection for their children

Survey results consistently point toward SPL having a therapeutic, life-transforming impact. Many members described a profound sense of belonging and relief at being accepted without judgment.

“It changed the course of our lives. The people we have met have lifted us up and out of burnout . The relationships we’ve made are lifelong.”

– Christina

The Possibilities

Our survey explored the possible outcomes and experiences of being an SPL member. More than a play space, we hope your family’s membership experience extends beyond the walls of our spaces and within your heart.

Respondents were asked to select from a checklist of ways in which SPL had helped them. The most commonly selected responses indicate that SPL has a transformative emotional effect on both children and caregivers. SPL members most frequently reported that SPL helps them/their children toā€¦

  • ā€œFeel less aloneā€
  • ā€œFind a safe place to play and be ourselvesā€
  • ā€œMake new friends or connectionsā€
  • ā€œFeel more joy in day-to-day life”

SPL also plays a vital role in helping families access public systems and supports. 66% of respondents said that SPL had helped them find or navigate services such as:

  • California Regional Center
  • School district special education supports (e.g., IEPs, assessments)
  • Parenting resources specific to neurodivergence

Respondents were also asked if SPL had made a difference even when theyā€™re not physically presentā€”e.g., at home, at school, or out in the world. While specific data wasnā€™t displayed as a frequency breakdown, many open-ended responses and checkbox selections suggest this is the case. Some ways this impact manifests:

  • Caregivers feel more confident interacting with teachers, therapists, and extended family.
  • Children are more regulated and less anxious in unfamiliar spaces.
  • Families are better equipped to articulate their needs and boundaries.

“People at SPL are kind and expect neurodivergence and love our children. Everything is safe and thoughtful. I would expect by just being them they have improved all outcomes for kids, improving parental mental health and home stability in the process. The coaching and mentoring is tremendous. The space and the culture is tremendous. This is what families need.”

-Tricia

Next Steps

We are sitting with the data, reflecting on the joy of our offerings, and looking ahead. We heard you, in your gratitude and pain, and will continue to refine our services to reflect the needs of our community. As we expand into our third location, you can look out for…

  • Offering targeted workshops and video modules to support self advocacy for famiies
  • Offering more pathways for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing among families
  • Tailoring resource offerings to acknowledge different needs based on a child’s age and stage
  • Connecting to other larger organizations in an effort to make our space accessible to more families

THANK YOU! Those of you who filled out the survey are deeply appreciated.

XOXO, The SPL team.

Play Coaching
Evening Enrichment
Little Ones
Learning
Using Visual Aids
Summer Camp
Sharing in Special Interests
Sensory-Rich Experiences
Parent Coaching
Play House

Site Manager

The Site Manager leads daily operations at their assigned location, creating exceptional experiences for members while managing staff and facilities. This role serves as the on-site leader responsible for implementing organizational standards while addressing immediate needs and opportunities.

Reports to: Fractional Director of Operations

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Leadership & Development
  • Supervise and coordinate daily activities of site staff
  • Maintain staff schedules for the location
  • Provide real-time coaching and support to team members while relying on SPL philosophy and culture
  • Foster a positive, collaborative team culture
  • Communicate operational updates and requirements to onsite staff
  • Act as liaison between direct care staff (those who work on the floor daily) and management team to ensure needs of direct care staff are being reflected in management decisions in a timely manner using the agreed-upon communication methods
  • Provide regular feedback to staff about job performance and complete bi-annual performance reviews as it relates to SPL Handbook Policies
  • Observe & provide feedback for hiring of new staff members
  • Screen & onboard volunteers
  • Ensure exceptional service standards for all members
  • Address member questions, concerns, and feedback promptly
  • Oversee check-in/check-out processes
  • Create a welcoming, inclusive environment
  • Complete all first time visits to introduce new people to SPL and provide information about agreements and membership tiers
  • Send monthly emails to site specific members for updates & connections
  • Utilize Circle app for upcoming events and announcements
  • Contacting any member families in need of additional support or follow-up for repair after breakdown
  • Maintain facility standards for safety, cleanliness, and functionality
  • Conduct daily facility inspections and report back any outstanding issues to management; schedule staff for facility upgrades when possible outside of work hours
  • Coordinate basic maintenance and repairs
  • Manage local inventory and supplies
  • Implement safety and emergency procedures
  • Work with Program Director to update physical space / items quarterly
  • Communicate with landlord/property management when any issues arise
  • Maintain professional communication with members and staff by managing your locationā€™s email account and telephone system daily
  • Maintain accurate attendance and participation records for both staff and members
  • Document member concerns and resolutions via written record
  • Book and properly schedule parties, site rentals, or additional speciality services including Play Coaching appointments and summer camp
  • Complete daily and weekly operational reports
  • Manage memberā€™s contracts, which includes billing and interfacing with partner organizations this includes handling pauses or cancellations via email (never just in person or phone)
  • Manage administrative aspects of the play coaching role: schedule sessions through POS system, reschedule sessions as needed, stay in active communication with members, send introductory packets via email to new members
  • Rely on policies and procedures laid out via manuals and handbooks from Executive Team
  • Monthly RCEB BillingĀ 
  • Quarterly list of who needs to be cancelled sent to Mikaela *RCEB families whoā€™ve not visited in 3 months or more & did not notify us
  • Maintain detailed notes using Mindbody about each member family, including safety concerns, names/ages of children, and special information to know
  • Serve as primary on-site point of contact
  • Maintain clear communication with Executive Assistant
  • Provide regular updates to Director of Operations via email
  • Coordinate with other Site Managers on cross-location matters
  • Interface with vendors for basic service needs
  • Escalate significant issues appropriately
  • Primary work location at assigned site
  • Full-Time RoleĀ 
  • May require some evening and weekend availability
  • Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, light lifting, and mobility throughout facility
  • Fast-paced environment requiring adaptability and quick decision-making

Site Supervisor

The Site Supervisor is an assistant leadership role responsible for ensuring the smooth weekday morning and weekend operations of our play space. This includes supporting staff, engaging with families, handling administrative tasks, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for neurodivergent and disabled children.

Reports to: Site Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Member Experience
  • Greet and warmly welcome families upon arrival
  • Complete check-in/check-out procedures accurately and efficiently
  • Answer questions about programs, memberships, and facility features
  • Address basic member concerns promptly or escalate to Site Manager when appropriate
  • Create an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all children and families
  • Engage with children in an age-appropriate, encouraging manner
  • Monitor the play area continuously to ensure safety and appropriate behavior
  • Enforce safety rules consistently while maintaining a positive atmosphere
  • Respond quickly to any conflicts or safety concerns
  • Follow all emergency protocols when necessary
  • Document any incidents according to established procedures
  • Reset and sanitize toys and equipment between sessions following cleaning protocols
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of all play areas throughout shifts
  • Conduct regular inventory checks of supplies and materials
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures
  • Identify and report any maintenance or safety issues
  • Maintain accurate attendance and membership records
  • Process basic transactions as needed
  • Assist with program registration when required
  • Organize and distribute program materials
  • Support special events and programs as needed
  • Primary work location at assigned site
  • Part-Time RoleĀ 
  • Weekend and morning availability required
  • Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, frequent bending and lifting of up to 25 pounds
  • Fast-paced environment requiring high energy and adaptability
  • Exposure to typical noise levels associated with children’s play environments

Play Coach

Play Coaches provide structured, therapeutic play sessions tailored to the individual needs of each child. They create a consistent and supportive relationship while using specialized play techniques to support social-emotional growth and developmental goals. Play Coaches serve as the primary therapeutic relationship for children in their care.

Reports to: Site Manager for scheduling and day-to-day operations; Program Director for program quality and professional development

Key Responsibilities:

Session Facilitation
  • Lead 1:1 or small group play sessions using evidence-based therapeutic play techniques
  • Create individualized play plans based on each child’s unique needs and goals
  • Implement appropriate interventions and activities aligned with program methodology
  • Adapt session approach based on child’s responses and developmental progress
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional relationship standards
  • Foster a safe, nurturing environment that promotes growth and exploration
  • Conduct initial and ongoing informal assessments of child development and needs
  • Observe and document detailed notes on child behavior, play themes, and progress
  • Track developmental milestones and areas for growth
  • Maintain comprehensive and confidential session records
  • Complete all documentation within required timeframes
  • Communicate effectively with caregivers about session highlights and child progress
  • Provide appropriate feedback and guidance to support families
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with families
  • Collaborate with caregivers to ensure consistency between sessions and home
  • Address caregiver questions and concerns or escalate as appropriate
  • Participate in regular supervision and coaching sessions
  • Engage in ongoing training and professional development
  • Incorporate feedback into practice
  • Stay current on play therapy approaches and child development research
  • Collaborate with other Play Coaches to share best practices
  • Primary work location at assigned site
  • Part-Time or Full-Time Jobs availableĀ 
  • May require evening and weekend availability to accommodate families’ schedules
  • Physical requirements include sitting on floor, light lifting, and active play with children
  • Emotional resilience required for working with children experiencing challenges
  • Schedule may vary based on client needs

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