New businesses give children with autism safe places to play – Albany Business Review
December 2, 2017 | In:
Eva Millard, owner of We Rock the Spectrum, has also been impressed by the turnout since she opened the doors in September at 1490 Saratoga Road (Route 50) in Ballston Spa.
Millard, 36, is an occupational therapist who has worked with children who have developmental disabilities.
“Parents kept saying they needed a place to bring their kids outside of school where they could feel welcome and be kids and have a place to learn and grow,” Millard said.
Parents pay $12 per child and $10 for siblings for up to two hours, with discounts for additional children. Parents can also drop off children for up to three hours for $12 per hour.
She declined to say how much it cost to open the 2,500-square-foot franchise, but said the investment was backed by Adirondack Trust Co.
“It’s been an amazing experience meeting the families and playing with the children,” Millard said.
Sheri Townsend opened Spotted Zebra Learning Center in 2005 to serve pre-school children with special needs, and has expanded since then into a 14,000-square-foot facility at 26 Computer Drive East.
Three years ago she opened a 3,000-square-foot indoor sensory playground in the building called Bizzy Beez Activity Center that hosts birthday parties and sensory-friendly theater groups.