Workshops and Skills Groups

The Spark Center offers a variety of different workshops, skills groups and programs throughout the year. These programs are run by members of our ABA, speech, and/or occupational therapy teams, and are designed to meet the various needs of children, with or without autism spectrum disorders. These programs are open to the public, and are primarily private pay, but in some cases, insurance may be able to cover some or all of the program.

Interested in enrolling in one of our workshops or groups? Fill out this interest form and let us know which one(s) you’d like to join!

Gross Motor Play and Sport Readiness Workshops

Morning Movers

In this fun and dynamic class, preschool aged kids will engage in a variety of activities designed to develop and strengthen their gross motor skills. Through games, obstacle courses, dance, and playful exercises, kids will run, jump, hop, and balance, improving their coordination and strength. Our supportive environment encourages exploration and movement while building confidence, social skills, and body awareness. This class is perfect for energetic preschoolers ready to move, play, and grow!

After School Athletes

Designed for active children ages 5-6, this class focuses on enhancing gross motor skills through engaging physical activities. Kids will participate in running, jumping, climbing, and balance-based exercises that promote strength, coordination, and agility. With fun challenges like obstacle courses, team games, and creative movement, this class helps build confidence, cooperation, and body control. It’s a perfect environment for young movers to burn energy while learning the fundamentals of movement and sport in a playful and supportive atmosphere!

Cycle Squad

Designed by our Occupational Therapy team, familiar with the motor skills needed to ride a bicycle, this workshop is designed to help children ages 5+ who struggle with learning how to ride a two-wheeler bicycle. Cycle Squad will focus on teaching bicycle management, balance and coordination, pedaling and stopping, and safety. Parents are encouraged to observe the workshop to continue working on the skills at home to increase learning and practice opportunities.

Social Skills

Camp Spark!

Camp Spark is a summer program for children ages 4-7 to get some fun in the sun! Camp Spark runs one week at a time, for up to three weeks throughout the summer months. Camp Spark will focus on building social skills, sensory play, motor movement, and language building through fun and interactive outdoor activities. Our therapy team will guide the building of these skills necessary for successful learning and social interaction!

*Children must be able to participate in group activities with minimal elopement or aggressive behaviors towards peers, and must be toilet trained.

Sociabilities!

Designed for elementary-aged children who have difficulty getting along with peers, making friends, or understanding social contexts. Sociabilities will focus on helping develop the skills to build positive relationships with peers, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, cooperation and turn taking, empathy and perspective taking, emotional regulation, confidence and self-esteem, acceptance of diversity and differences, and more!

Readiness Programs

Kindergarten Prep

Kindergarten Prep is a summer program designed to help your soon-to-be kindergartener get ready for the many physical and social-emotional skills needed when they first start school. Led by our Occupational Therapy team, this prep program will focus on independence with motor skills such as opening and closing meal containers, fastening and unfastening clothing items, hand-washing and other daily activity procedures, and toleration and coping skills associated with a new school environment. Perfect for children who have not experienced a full day or general school environment, or for the littles who need a little extra help with those day-to-day kindergarten necessities.

Little Learners

This parent-participation group program is designed for littles up to age 4, who may or may not have a diagnosis of autism or other developmental disability, as an early-intervention program to help develop play and social routines, imitation, communication, and adaptive functioning, through naturalistic strategies. Perfect for children who may not be ready to separate from parents, this program uses components from the Early Start Denver Model to help shape early skills for your little ones.

Pen Pals

Designed by our Occupational Therapy team, this workshop focuses on developing the motor skills needed to help your child learn how to write! Using a sensory-based approach to handwriting, we will work on pre-writing and fine motor skills while exploring different sensory materials.