Frequently Asked Questions

The first step to getting started with WMLC is our intake process, which includes:

• Completion of our new client enrollment packet
• Parent interview
• Review of IEP and/or other assessments

With the information gathered during the intake process, your child will be matched with an appropriate group and/or scheduled for individual sessions. Download an enrollment packet.

Please contact us to schedule a thirty minute intake appointment. Whether you choose to bring your child along or not, is up to you. Please bring your completed forms and copies to the appointment where you can expect a tour of our facility, a summary of our Client Handbook, an opportunity to go over any questions and completion of the course enrollment form and payment arrangements. A $20 minimum deposit is required at registration unless an outside agency will be paying the tuition.

• Preschoolers usually start their WMLC experience by taking "Developing Friendships Through Play"
• Generally, all new clients ages 5-11 start out by taking "Catching on to Getting Along"
• Clients ages 10-13 generally take "Kids Chat & Chill"
• Teens ages 13-19 typically take "Tweens/Teens Talk & Rock"
• Young adults and those in grades 11+ may be interested in "Meet & Mingle"



Children's developmental levels, ages and needs determine their placement in a class or in individualized sessions. Children are generally the same age or within one or two years/grade levels of one another. Individualized sessions are intended to expand children's skills and comfort levels so that they can move into the social interaction experience of working in a group with peers. Download our course catalog.

You may view our current term course catalog or enrollment form to see if there is a day of the week and time that fits your schedule and your child's age and course requirements. If you don't see what you need listed, please contact us.

Social skills classes are generally limited to no more than five students and a minimum of three students per class. Each class includes a snack combined with a short, supervised communication and interaction time. Some classes include a longer activity time, which may include an outing. Lead teachers for all social skills classes have extensive experience in teaching, in social skills instruction, and with autism spectrum disorders. At least one trained teaching assistant works with the lead teacher for most classes. Learn more about our social skills classes.

Written and verbal feedback is ongoing throughout the sessions. Parents are welcome to visit classes, request a videotape of a class, or schedule conferences to gather more information about classes or their child's progress. One conference, either at West Metro Learning Connections or via phone, is included in the cost of each session. A nominal fee is charged for videotape. Parent-scheduled conferences beyond the one included in tuition are charged at the instructor's individual rate.

WMLC is located in historic Excelsior, within walking distance to multiple restaurants, shops, antique dealers, and Lake Minnetonka. Free public parking is available across the street. Get directions.

The WMLC facility is available for business or social events. Free public parking is located across the street. We have a handicapped accessible entrance and restrooms, as well as a comfortably furnished waiting area. Kitchen facilities, a formal dining room, AV equipment, filtered water and coffee are available. Twenty-four hour access is available via lock box.

• CADI Waiver

• Consumer Support Grant

• Family Support Grant

• Fiscal Intermediary (e.g. Alliance, CCI, CCP, Orion, PICS, Summit)
• 
Medical Insurance-Very Rarely (through reimbursement claim with prior authorization--client must pay WMLC directly)
• Check with your health insurance plan to see if they will cover using the following information: 

CPT Code 90857 -- Interactive Group Psychotherapy with the following modifiers: HA -- Child/Adolescent Program and HO -- Master's degree level.





There are no licensed mental health professionals on staff, but certain policies may cover a portion as an out of network provider if there is a referral and or supervision by client's pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist. If you will be using this method, please obtain a confirmation number or written authorization to include with your reimbursement request. 



WMLC requires direct pay by the family, but will provide data required for reimbursement claims.

• MR/RC Waiver -- Consumer Directed only -- not Traditional 

• Private Pay by Check or Cash (weekly or monthly payment plans are available with an additional finance charge)
• 
School District-through IEP Process

Provider Numbers:

MHCP / Excelsior: 959641100 (for Independent Living Skills--CADI & TBI)

Not set up as a provider for traditional MR/RC waivers at this time and do NOT accept Medical Assistance:

Health Partners / Excelsior: 96292
Preferred One / Excelsior: 7102220