Autism-affirming child care built on calm, routine, and understanding.
A licensed family child care program in Waldorf, MD with intentionally limited enrollment to support sensory needs, transitions, and individualized attention. Created by an autism mom who understands the importance of predictability, sensory support, and feeling truly safe in care.
As a parent of an autistic child, I understand how challenging it can be to find child care that truly understands sensory needs, communication differences, and transitions.
The Sensory Haven was created to offer a calm, predictable, and supportive environment for children on the autism spectrum and peace of mind for families. This program reflects years of lived experience and professional training in early childhood development, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of autistic children in a home-based setting.
Every element of our program—from daily routines to communication methods—has been thoughtfully designed with sensory awareness and neurodiversity-affirming practices at its foundation.
Who We Serve
Ages 2–8
Within our licensed age range, we welcome children at various developmental stages.
Autism Spectrum
Diagnosed or suspected autism spectrum, with individualized support for each child.
Small Environment
Families seeking a calm, sensory-aware setting with limited enrollment.
Full-Time Care
Consistent schedules help support routine and predictability for children.
Enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure individualized attention and program fit. Each family is carefully considered to maintain the calm, supportive atmosphere that benefits all children in our care.
Our Approach to Daily Care
The Sensory Haven provides a structured, predictable environment where autistic children can thrive. Our approach emphasizes consistency, clear communication, and sensory awareness throughout every part of the day.
Predictable Routines
Daily schedules follow the same sequence with visual supports and transition warnings. Children know what to expect, reducing anxiety and supporting independence.
Sensory Awareness
Our environment is designed with sensory needs in mind, including lighting adjustments, noise management, and access to sensory regulation tools throughout the day.
Gentle Transitions
We provide advance notice, visual timers, and flexible pacing when moving between activities. Communication is adapted to each child's needs and preferences.
Daily Communication
Parents receive brief, structured updates about their child's day, including meals, activities, regulation needs, and any notable observations.
Home-Like Setting
Our family child care environment offers the comfort of a home while maintaining professional boundaries and licensing standards.
What We Are and What We're Not
Licensed Child Care
The Sensory Haven is a licensed family child care program providing daily care, supervision, and age-appropriate activities in a sensory-aware environment. We follow all Maryland licensing requirements and maintain current certifications in child safety and development.
Our program is designed to support autistic children through environmental modifications, communication strategies, and individualized daily routines.
Not Therapeutic Services
We do not provide therapeutic services such as ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral intervention. Families whose children receive external therapy services are welcome and encouraged to share relevant information to support consistency.
Our role is to provide safe, supportive child care that honors each child's neurodevelopment and sensory needs within a small group setting.
Schedule and Enrollment Details
Operating Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Consistent daily schedules support routine and predictability for children on the spectrum.
Maximum Enrollment
We serve a maximum of 4 children at any time. This intentionally small group size allows for individualized attention and reduces sensory overwhelm.
Enrollment Process
Enrollment is offered based on availability and program fit. We consider each family's needs and our capacity to provide appropriate support.
Our limited capacity ensures that every child receives the individualized attention they deserve and that our environment remains calm and manageable for sensory-sensitive children.
Safety and Program Boundaries
Creating a safe environment for all children in our care is our highest priority. The Sensory Haven is designed to support children with sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and routine-based needs within a small group setting.
To maintain this safe and supportive environment for all enrolled children, we are unable to accept children with self-harm behaviors requiring constant one-on-one supervision or aggressive behaviors toward others. These limitations are based on our staffing ratio, program structure, and responsibility to every child in our care.
We encourage families to be transparent during the inquiry process about their child's specific needs so we can honestly assess whether our program is an appropriate fit. This open communication benefits everyone and helps ensure successful placements.
Get Started
Start the Inquiry Process
All families begin with a short inquiry form. This helps us understand your child's needs and determine whether The Sensory Haven might be a good fit for your family.
Completion of the inquiry form does not guarantee enrollment. We will review your submission and reach out to discuss next steps if we believe we can appropriately support your child.
You complete the brief inquiry form sharing basic information about your child and care needs
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We review your submission within 3-5 business days to assess program fit
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If there's potential alignment, we'll schedule a phone conversation to discuss further
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For families moving forward, we arrange a brief visit to ensure comfort and fit
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
The Sensory Haven is located in Waldorf, Maryland. Specific address information is provided to families during the inquiry process.
What ages do you serve?
We serve children ages 2 through 8 who are diagnosed or suspected to be on the autism spectrum, within our licensed age range.
Is this a therapy or ABA program?
No. The Sensory Haven is a licensed child care program, not a therapeutic service. We do not provide ABA, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
Do you provide meals?
Families provide all food for their children. We can accommodate specific dietary needs, textures, and feeding routines as needed.
Do you accept subsidy or private pay?
Yes, we accept both subsidy and private pay families. We have limited subsidy slots available at any given time.
How do I get started?
Complete our inquiry form. All families begin with this initial step, and we'll be in touch to discuss next steps if there's potential alignment.
Optional Resources
Parent Resources from The Sensory Haven
As an autism parent, I know that families often need support beyond child care. For parents looking for structure, guidance, and practical tools to support daily routines at home, The Sensory Haven offers a comprehensive digital resource suite.
Visual supports and routines
Parent-friendly guides
Tools designed to support predictability and regulation at home
Created from lived experience as an autism parent
These resources are optional and completely separate from our child care program. Purchasing or using these materials does not impact enrollment or placement.