FAQs
How do I know if my child needs help?

If you are concerned about your child's development, contact your physician. See our "Developmental Milestones" for more information that may assist you in your discussion with your physician.

What hours of the day is Chesapeake open?

Chesapeake's clinic is open Monday through Friday form 7:00am-7:00pm. Early intervention home visit hours may very depending on your therapist.

What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?

We understand and appreciate a cancellation when you child is ill. Illness calls can be made prior to 8:00 am on the day of the session. We require 24 hours notice for all other cancellations. Cancelled visits not meeting these requirements may be subject to fee (see "Cancellation Policy" for full details)

What Method of Payment is required?

The Chesapeake Center accepts most major insurances to cover the cost of services. When you call our intake department (703) 924-4100, our staff will discuss your individual policy, and discuss any limitations and/or prior documentation requirements. It is important to note that even after an insurance company gives an authorization for treatment the companies never guarantee payment. Consequently, you remain responsible for the cost of services (or for your family fee if you are a part of an early intervention program). See: "How to Get Help" for a checklist of items that might be required.

Co-insurance and co-payments are due at the time of service. See: "Physicians & Insurance" for a list of insurance plans accepted by The Chesapeake Center.
In the event that services are not covered by insurance, Chesapeake offers a number of private pay options.

Can I be present during the evaluation?

We strongly encourage families to be a part of the therapeutic team. If your child is young and or fearful of new situations it may be helpful for you to sit in while the evaluation is taking place. However, some children may actually perform better when the parent is not present.

Do I have to be present during my child's session?

1. For early intervention services (children birth to three) our treatment philosophy requires that family be active participants in each treatment session.
2. If you have an older child (above age 3) who is seen at our clinic, you must stay in the building. Your child may need you. Other times, your child's therapist might request your attendance to teach, explain or demonstrate activities that you might be asked to perform at home. See "Making the Most of Your Visit" for additional tips on attend your child's session.

Can I bring my other children to the therapy session?

1. For early intervention visits, your therapist will help decide if it is best to let your other children participate in the therapy session.
2. If you come to our clinic, siblings my wait in our child friendly waiting room.

What age groups are served by Chesapeake?

Chesapeake primarily serves children birth to age 14. We have several speech language pathologist who are qualified to provide services for adults (e.g. diagnosis- voice, stuttering, CVA,). Our occupational and physical therapists provide services to children only.

What kind of therapists does The Chesapeake Center Employ?

The Chesapeake Center's staff consists of licensed and certifies Speech Language Pathologist (Speech therapists is another name for the same discipline), Occupational therapists, physical therapists and early childhood special educators.

How large is The Chesapeake Center Staff?

. Chesapeake has approximately 50 full time, part time and PRN staff members.

Do your therapist have advanced training in any specialty areas?

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Musculature Phonemic Targets (PROMPT) Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson, M.S., CCC/SLP Talk Tools Hand Writing Without Tears NDT

How are the various programs different, and what is best for my child?

Early Intervention
Early intervention services focus on increasing the child's (ages birth to 3 years) participation in family and community activities that are important to the family. Services also focus on helping the parents and other caregivers know how to find ways to help the child learn needed skills during everyday activities.

So therefore:
  • Once a child is found to be eligible for services, the team (including the family and service providers) develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
  • The plan generally focuses on learning outcomes which occur as the child participates in daily actives and strives to provide services that fit the family life style
  • Frequently the plan will consist of one primary provider working in partnership with the family to address the outcomes on the IFSP
  • In the IFSP model of care features the parents as the primarily teachers of their children. Parents are with their children everyday participating in activities that are rich learning opportunities.


School Services
Therapy services provided to children within a school setting are provided under the auspices of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1986, and are limited to services that benefit a student in his/or educational.

So therefore:
  • A student can only receive OT/PT SLP or Special Education services after eligibility is determined and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is put in place
  • There may be times when a student can benefit from therapy services but is not found eligibility for school services because the services are not educationally necessary.
  • Services are provided in the school in accordance with the IEP
Clinic Services
Chesapeake strives to combine the best aspects from all other service delivery in its clinic services.
  • We provide direct services based upon a child evaluation, or IEP/IFSP (if a parent chooses to supplement school or early intervention programs)
  • If necessary, children can be seen for all disciplines in a single week if the services are necessary.
  • The therapist works with the parent (caregiver) each session so that treatment activities may be incorporated at home during daily activities
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