Expectations for the Parents

The week at PACE Place is exciting, exhausting, inspiring, exhausting, fun, exhausting, terrifying, exhausting, and did we mention exhausting.  Most families tell us how surprised they were by how drained they felt by the intensity of the week.  You are expected to think about your child and your entire family in a fresh way that is very intense.  You will be with one of the PACE Place professionals for approximately five hours per day.  The schedule typically ends by 2:30 pm, giving your family time to relax, reflect, and renew your energy.  Upon seeing their schedule, many families have expressed their surprise that they were “finished” at 2:30 pm.  At the end of each day, most families have expressed their gratitude that they were finished at 2:30 pm and free to process five hours of experiences and discussions.

To fully benefit from the PACE Place experience, families must be prepared to challenge every limitation they believe about their child and their family.  Together we can explore new ways for your family members to learn about themselves and each other.

Both parents must come for the entire week.  Parental unity is important to your child’s progress and to your ability to support each other.  If you are a single parent, you may bring another adult with you who will be an emotional support to you and your child. 

Parents are asked to not bring nannies, grandparents, or home therapists.  The PACE Place program is family-centered and parent-driven.  The goal of the Immersion Model is to empower parents to be the primary force in their child’s development.  Then, parents will be able to share their expertise of their own child with their support systems when they get home.  If you have concerns about this policy, you may discuss possible exceptions with Dr. Calouri prior to your stay.