Faq

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to use our services. Some families come to us based on a school’s recommendation, and schools may share information about what they have noticed or suggested. A formal document is not required, but any information from a school can be helpful to share.

Families are also welcome to seek services on their own, even if a school has not expressed concern or recommended additional support.

What if we’re not sure yet?

That’s completely okay. Many families come to us with questions.

After the initial meeting, we encourage families to take time to consider whether our services feel like a good fit. We often recommend starting with the first few sessions and then reviewing together with the staff member before deciding how to move forward.

Can I start with just a consultation only?

Families begin with the free initial meeting so we can better understand what you are hoping for from a consultation.

In some cases, it may make sense to work primarily with the parent or caregiver rather than the child. We are happy to discuss consultation-only options once we understand your goals and concerns.

Is there a waiting list?

At times, there may be a waiting list depending on the service and staff availability.

Families are still encouraged to schedule an initial meeting to learn more about our services and discuss their needs. After the meeting, we can let you know about current availability and notify you when space becomes available.

What kind of children and families do you support?

We support children who have unique learning or developmental needs, including academic, social, physical, or emotional areas. These needs may be related to a disability or may simply mean that a child benefits from extra, individualized support.

We work closely with families so children can thrive in daily life. Our goal is to help each child understand their strengths and value, while also providing targeted support in areas that feel challenging.

What ages do you serve? Are there any age or grade limitations?

We primarily work with school-aged children. However, there are times when we can offer earlier intervention to younger children or support for students just out of high school. If you are unsure whether your child’s age is a good fit, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Can we use your services without a formal diagnosis?

Yes. A formal diagnosis is not required to receive services at the KENTO Center.

While a diagnosis can sometimes help clarify needs, many children benefit from support without one. Families are welcome to come to us with questions, concerns, or areas they would like to better understand.

Is an assessment required to use your services?

No. An assessment is not required to begin services.

Our process includes getting to know you and your child through the initial meeting and initial sessions. This helps us develop a baseline understanding and work together with families to set appropriate goals.

How often are sessions?

Session frequency depends on the type of service and the child’s needs. Some services are typically recommended once per week, while others, such as academic instruction, are most effective when offered multiple times per week.

Recommendations are discussed with families so expectations are clear from the beginning.

Can the frequency or type of services be changed later?

Yes. We usually recommend trying a service for a full session cycle before making changes.

After a session cycle (typically 15–25 sessions) , we review progress together and evaluate what is working well and what may need adjustment. At that point, the frequency or type of services can be changed based on the child’s needs and family goals.

Can parents receive feedback or be involved in sessions?

Parents receive regular feedback through brief end-of-session check-ins (when they are present at the center) and scheduled progress report meetings.

To support children’s independence and growth, parents typically do not observe individual sessions. Our café waiting space is nearby if we need to connect with a parent during a session. If parents would like more direct support, we can also schedule separate consultation sessions focused on caregiver guidance and collaboration.

How long do families typically continue services?

The length of services varies by family and child.

Some families participate in one session cycle (typically 15–25 sessions) to work toward specific goals. Others benefit from ongoing support over a longer period of time. Our goal is not for families to stay indefinitely, but to support progress and adjust services as needs change.

What does the assessment process involve?

A psycho-educational assessment is a comprehensive process that brings together information from multiple sources to better understand a child’s strengths and areas of need.

The process typically includes:

• An initial meeting with parents
• Payment, scheduling, and paperwork
• Two to three testing days
• Report writing
• A review meeting with the family

How long does the assessment process take?

Most assessments take approximately 2-3 months from the initial parent meeting to the review meeting. However, the timeline varies depending on testing availability, family schedules, and how quickly the required paperwork is completed.

When will we receive the results and the written report?

Once all testing has been completed, the written report will be provided within 30 business days after the final testing day during the review meeting to discuss the results and recommendations.

What language are services offered in?

Most of our services are provided in English. Occupational therapy services may also be offered in Japanese, as our occupational therapist is a native Japanese speaker.

We encourage families to discuss language needs during the initial meeting.

Is it okay if your child doesn’t speak Japanese?

Yes. Our services are provided in English, and children do not need to speak Japanese to participate.

Is this a place to learn English?

KENTO Center is not an English language school or English learning program.

Our services are educational and therapeutic supports provided in English. They are designed to address areas such as learning differences, attention, sensory processing, social skills, and other factors that may impact an English-speaking child’s ability to thrive.

How much do your services cost?

Fees vary depending on the type of service. You can find current fees listed on Our Services page.

What payment methods are available?

Bank transfer is the preferred payment method. Cash payments can also be accepted. At this time, we do not accept credit cards.

Can I use health insurance to pay for services?

No, KENTO Center does not accept insurance payments directly. However, if your insurance provider offers reimbursement, we can provide receipts to help with your claim whenever possible. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements and coverage.

Can I use a disability support certificate?

No. KENTO Center is not a government-sponsored organization, so disability support certificates cannot be used for payment of our services.