Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Class
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To register for an 8-week series or camp, please fill out our Registration Request Form. Please note that filling out this form does not guarantee your registration. A staff member will confirm your registration 1-2 weeks before the first class.
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Trial classes are available on a limited basis. Note that we are unable to hold a spot for you in a class that you are considering while you are attending a trial class. Please contact info@aim-seattle.org for more information or to request a trial class.
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In some cases, yes! Priority registration is given to families who are able to purchase a full 8-week session or camp, but there are often opportunities for families to join after a session has already begun for a prorated fee. Please use the Registration Request Form and make a note in the Comments section to indicate that you are registering for a session that has already begun. For other questions about signing up for a partial session, please email info@aim-seattle.org.
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Families are asked to commit to attending all weeks of the session. If a participant needs to miss a class, please notify us in advance whenever possible so we can plan appropriately for staffing and volunteers. If a participant misses two classes without prior communication, our Registration Coordinator will reach out by email to check in about attendance. If there is no response, we will follow up with a phone call. If we are unable to connect after both an email and a phone call, the family will receive a notification that the participant may be removed from the class. If there is a waitlist, the participant’s spot may be offered to another family.
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Some of our classes have waitlists; but in most cases, families may start attending classes within 1-3 weeks of reaching out. If the class you are interested in is marked “Full” on our website, we encourage you to submit your registration request in order to be added to the waitlist. This helps us with planning for future classes, so that we know which classes are in high demand.
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Whenever possible, we highly encourage parents and caregivers to drop off group members so that they can participate in class independently. If there are safety concerns or other reasons why a parent/caregiver needs to stay during class, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate this need. Parents/caregivers (and friends and family!) are always invited to join for a portion of the final class in each 8-week session.
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Each class and Teaching Artists’ style is slightly different, but in each dance class you can expect to start with a Hello Song/Chant, followed by the BrainDance, a full body and brain warmup that mirrors the movements of early human development. These activities are followed by creative dance and movement activities that invite participants to explore general space, self space, and various dance concepts like speed and space. In each music class you can expect a Hello Song and some combination of singing, instrument play, songwriting, and movement.
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At AIM, the safety of our participants, families, and staff is our top priority.
For snow and other inclement weather, AIM generally follows Seattle Public Schools’ closure decisions. If a class or program is canceled due to weather, we will notify registered participants and families by email and/or text message as soon as the decision is made.
For offsite or community-based programs, closures may vary depending on the hosting location. In these cases, we will share program-specific updates as soon as information is available.
Even if a program is not officially canceled, we encourage families and participants to use their best judgment. If traveling to the program location does not feel safe, please prioritize your safety and reach out to us with any questions.
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If the website indicates that a class is full, we encourage families to still send in their registration request. We will add you to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a space opens up. This helps us with our planning as well, to know which classes are in high demand.
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This is helpful for us to know! Please send us an email at info@aim-seattle.org. We will keep your request in mind as we plan for future classes, and we can let you know of future opening
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AIM is committed to accessibility. If the cost of a program would prevent you or your family from participating, we encourage you to reach out. We offer financial assistance on a limited basis and are happy to have a confidential conversation about what support might be available.
DDA Funds
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The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides respite funds for eligible families. Eligible families can use these funds to pay for AIM programs. To use your DDA respite funds, simply indicate that you are planning to use DDA respite funds on your Registration Request Form and let your Case Resource Manager know that you plan to enroll. We will coordinate directly with your Case Resource Manager for preauthorization and billing. Please note that families using DDA funds are expected to register for the full 8-week session or camp.
Typical Day of Class
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Each class and Teaching Artists’ style is slightly different, but in each dance class you can expect to start with a Hello Song/Chant, followed by the BrainDance, a full body and brain warmup that mirrors the movements of early human development. These activities are followed by creative dance and movement activities that invite participants to explore general space, self space, and various dance concepts like speed and space. In each music class you can expect a Hello Song and some combination of singing, instrument play, songwriting, and movement.
Inclusive Class vs Adaptive Class
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Describing a class as inclusive means that the class is open for Neurodivergent and Disabled participants alongside Neurotypical or non-disabled peers. A class that is adaptive is generally intended for Neurodivergent and Disabled participants, with activities tailored for the individual needs of the participants. Most AIM programs are adaptive and include Neurodivergent or Disabled class members alongside volunteer Dance Buddies or Music Buddies.
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We have a partnership with All That Dance and connections with other organizations in the area that can accommodate participants of all ages and abilities. Email us at info@aim-seattle.org to let us know what you’re looking for, and we can connect you with a class that is the right fit for you.
Volunteers
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Volunteers are a hugely important part of our programming! Volunteers are paired one-on-one with group members to participate alongside them in all activities, encourage and connect with them, and assist the Support Staff and Teaching Artists as needed. Scheduling is flexible based on volunteer availability. For more information, email info@aim-seattle.org or use this form to sign up.
Explore Aim
