Please set up your device (computer, phone or tablet)
Use the instructions on your meeting invitation and download the free app(s) needed for your appointment. Installing and activating these apps may take some time, so have them ready in advance. Some examples of apps used by service providers are Zoom for Healthcare, Microsoft Teams and Blue Jeans.

If using a phone or tablet, use headphones if possible
Headphones reduce background noise and allow the service provider to hear you better. If your child/youth is not comfortable wearing headphones or you need one but don’t have one, please speak to your service provider for assistance.

Make sure your device is charged
Have a charging cord ready in case your battery runs low. If possible, plan your virtual appointment close to an electrical outlet in case you need to recharge your device during your session. Also, clear off any additional apps that may be running in the background as this can drain your battery.

Check the strength of your Wi-Fi connection
Walls and furniture will affect the strength of your Wi-Fi signal and a weak signal can result in a frozen screen, poor audio quality or even disconnection. Check your Wi-Fi strength by looking at your device while in the room you plan to use for your session. The Wi-Fi signal strength icon can be found on the top right hand side of most devices. This image shows Wi-Fi signal strength from strongest to weakest.


 
To increase the strength of your Wi-Fi signal in a room with poor signal strength, you could contact your internet service provider as some offer a free booster.

Plan your location and position of your device
Here are a few things to consider for the location of your virtual appointment.

• What size room would work best?
• Do you need a larger room for physical activities like jumping, rolling, dancing, etc.?
• Do you need a smaller space that works for tabletop activities?
• What distractions are there in the room, can they be covered or easily moved (e.g. TV, radio, toys, technology)?
• Is there a window, is that helpful or distracting?
• Does your child/youth get distracted by things moving outside, do you have curtains or blinds?
• Does my child/youth feel comfortable in that space? If that answer is no, then you will likely need to consider another space or think of ways to make that space more comfortable for them.
• What items will help your child/youth feel calm that can be included in that space (e.g. bean bag chair, sensory toys, etc.)?

Place your device where the service provider can see your child/youth’s face, your face and any learning materials or toys that you will be working with. For the best view of your child, we recommend that you place your device at least 3 ft. away where you will be playing or working.

This allows your service provider to:

• See and hear your child/youth’s reaction or answers to questions/comments.
• See if your child is showing any signs of anxiety or frustration.
• See if their instructions are clearly understood.
• Follow your child/youth’s lead if they begin to show interest in another toy/material.
• Develop a personal relationship and rapport with you and your child/youth.

If you are planning to use a table and chair to sit at during the session:

• Make sure your child/youth can easily reach the top of the table to independently reach the items or activities that you are working with.
• Consider using a booster and foot stool if necessary. Often when children/youth have supportive seating it allows them to feel more comfortable and assists in keeping their focus on the task at hand.
• Consider having your child/youth facing towards a wall to limit distractions if you are unable to close the door to the room you have chosen for your session.

If you don’t think working at a table is best, consider using a small room with a closed door. You and your child/youth can sit and work together on the floor. Do what works best!

Don’t be afraid to talk to your service provider if you have any concerns about your ability to participate in activities. Let your service provider know if you have any physical limitations or concerns that may affect your ability to participate in the session

Toys and learning materials
The session may include a variety of activities, games and toys to help your child/youth develop their skills and work towards their goals. You may be asked to bring out a few of your child/youth’s favourite things. If you do not have access to the materials, please speak to your service provider in advance as you are NOT expected to buy additional items for these sessions.

These items may include:

• A favourite book
• Puzzles, building toys, Lego
• Small pretend toys (e.g. baby, stuffed animal, cars)
• Writing tools (e.g. paper, markers, crayons, pencils)

These materials will be specific to each individual based on their age and the skills being worked on. Feel free to reach out to your team should you have any questions about what to prepare. If your child/youth has any particular item that they find very hard to move from, it may be best to not have it in sight during the session.
 

At the beginning

• If you cannot hear or see your service provider well, please let them know right away so you can work together to solve the issue.
• If something is happening in the room that is affecting participation like a sibling is home, an odd sound or smell, or any other type of distraction, please let your service provider know.
• It is not expected that your child/youth will have all the answers or have all the skills needed to complete every task. This is ok, because this is why you are working on them. Please do not answer for your child or give them hints for the expected response, unless requested by the service provider.
• The service provider will describe what they are doing or what you will need to do. They will wait and see how your child/youth responds and if it doesn’t go as planned, you will work together to problem solve it. While the main objective is help your child/youth reach their goals, we want to ensure that this is fun for everyone too!

Work on predetermined strategies
If you are unsure of what skill to work on consider using the F words for Child Development to guide you.

These strategies should be meaningful to your child/youth and your family.

• Think about what skills would be most helpful in your child/youth’s day to day life.
• What skills or goals would have the most positive impact on your family?

Ask questions

• Do you understand the goal or skill you are working on and why?
• Do you understand what is expected of you?
• Do you understand what is expected of your child/youth?
• If you have questions or concerns that you do not feel are appropriate for your child/youth to hear, please contact your service provider to arrange a time where the two of you can connect privately.

Plan next steps

• Think about what is working well in the session and why.
• Consider how to build on the things that are going well.
• Think about any challenges that you or your child/youth may be facing during the session.
• Brainstorm ideas of how to overcome challenges and better support your child/youth for future sessions.

Your service provider will provide suggestions and coach you through the strategies to help your child/youth develop their skills and reach their goals. Consistent use of these strategies at home during daily routines and activities is an important part of the process.
 

CTN will contact you to be sure everyone is well and to complete a COVID-19 screening
 

• Only one parent/caregiver can be with the child for the visit. If another parent/caregiver would like to be there as well, please contact your service provider before your appointment to assist you or answer any questions you may have.
• When you arrive for your appointment, please stay in your vehicle. Your service provider will contact you to complete another COVID-19 screening and give you directions about coming into the CTN site.
• If you’re arriving by transit/walking, please let us know ahead of time so we can plan and greet you when you arrive.
• Bring only the items you need into the CTN site.
• Service providers will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, face shields, etc., to ensure everyone’s safety. Please view this social story to help your child understand the purpose of wearing PPE.
• Based on public health recommendations CTN requires that you, and if possible, your child wear a medical grade face mask. Service providers will provide medical grade face masks at all CTN sites for in-person appointments. This does not apply to children under 2 years old, those who have difficulty breathing, cannot put on/remove a mask without help, with a medical condition (e.g. asthma, eczema, etc.) that makes it uncomfortable or difficult and those who have accommodations according to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 or the Human Rights Code.
• Hand sanitizer will be available. Please sanitize your hands when you enter the building, anytime you use the washroom and when you leave the building.
• To provide the safest environment possible, we ask that you avoid using public washrooms in our site if possible. However, they are available if needed. We also recommend that you use the disinfectant wipes provided to clean surfaces before and after use.   
• If your child or a family member becomes unwell, please let us know and we will reschedule your appointment to a later date.

We will make every effort to make your visit as comfortable as possible and appreciate your cooperation.