Next's Words of Thanks: WHALE Respite Center

WHALE (We Help And Love Everyone) Respite Center has been open since July 15th, 2024. We have already provided over 3,330 hours of respite level childcare. We are currently open from Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm, with the capacity to serve up to 55 children daily.

We are gratefulKristin C. and Lacy Helms, co-founders, at WHALE's Grand Opening to our co-founders Kristin Ceriani, PT, DPT, Board Treasurer, and Lacy Helms, MA, CCC-SLP, Board President, for making their vision and dream of offering respite care to children and families in Weld County a reality. 

Respite care provides a safe, playful and fun all-inclusive environment for children with delays and disabilities to spend time with peers and enjoy a variety of activities during their time at WHALE Respite Center.

Our services provide a fun and safe setting for children while offering the caregiver an opportunity to mentally and physically recharge.

All funds raised by this campaign will support scholarships for children. Over 50% of our current families are low income. The actual cost of a full day of care with a 1:4 staff to child ratio is approximately $150 per child. 

$5 provides lunch to a child

$10 supports classroom supplies

$25 provides supplies for science experiments for 5 children

$50 supports a 1/2 day scholarship

$100 supports a full day scholarship

What parents are saying about WHALE:

"I tell everyone who has a special needs child that WHALE is an amazing place that I trust for childcare. I don't need to worry about getting calls that my son is too much to handle for the day."

"I am grateful for WHALE Respite Center because it allows me to spend focused time with my other children, while my child is at a safe place, and she is understood."

What children are communicating about WHALE:

"My son in nonverbal, but he is so happy and excited when we get to WHALE. He is comfortable and goes straight to his classroom and is happy to see his teachers."

"I had a blast."

"Mom, I want to join my friends who are at WHALE for days off of school!" (Referencing our Schools Out Days program.)

Current Programs

Full & Part Time Care - This program provides care for infants 6 weeks to 7 years old.  We have specialized staff who have spent many years working with this age group and helping them progress from infancy to toddler to PreK.  We have a curriculum that develops language skills, play skills, and social skills.  Children flourish in the loving classroom environment where they are encouraged to develop socially, emotionally, and academically.   

After School Care - This program operates from 3pm to 6pm Monday-Friday for children 5 years to 18 years old.  We services children with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, behavioral issues, and mental health conditions.   Children engage in center time activities and teachers focus on teaching self-regulation and self-sufficiency skills.

School Out Care - This program is for children 5 years to 18 years old and operates as full day care when school is not in session during the school year.   The program focuses on social & emotional skill development; helping children communicate their needs and wants.  We teach self-regulation and self-sufficiency skills in a classroom setting for children to build positive peer relationships. 

Social Skills Summer Camp - This program is for children 5 years to 18 years old and operates as full day care during the summer. The program focuses on social & emotional skill development; helping children communicate their needs and wants. We teach self-regulation and self-sufficiency skills in a classroom setting for children to build positive peer relationships. This program runs for two consecutive weeks centered around a theme. There will be 5 different two-week theme camps during the summer that families can choose to attend, or they can attend all five!

If you are interested in additional information on our services or to register a child please visit www.whalerespite.org.