Down to Business: We Rock the Spectrum play gym offers something for every child: ‘I love that kids don't want to leave'
Business: We Rock the Spectrum-Naperville
Address: 5019 Ace Lane
Phone/website: 331-472-0764; www.werockthespectrumnaperville.com
Owner: Maureen Hatfield, 41, of Plainfield
Years in business: 1
What does your business do? 'It's an inclusive kids' play gym, which means we have sensory equipment that is favorable to kids on the (autism) spectrum, but is liked by all kids,' Hatfield said.
What misconceptions do people have? 'People ask us a lot if it's just for kids on the spectrum. It's definitely not. It's for all kids, but we keep kids on the spectrum in mind. It's not overstimulating here. The lights (aren't too bright). Music isn't super loud. All our equipment has a purpose. We call it 'play with a purpose.' The zip line is something all kids like.'
Why did you start this business? 'We saw a need in the area. There's a lot of playroom cafes, which are for kids 7 and under. And there's also big play areas like the trampoline parks and laser tag. We wanted something in the middle. We have two kids. One is a big sensory seeker. He could do the zip line and the trampoline all day. Our daughter is the kind of kid who loves to spend Saturday in the library. We wanted something to fit them both.'
What are those? 'Kids have a variety of sensory profiles, not just kids on the spectrum. Some kids are seekers. … They go, go, go. Other kids are more sensory avoidant. Maybe they're more easily overwhelmed by a loud or busy place.
'Our son, Victor, is 7. He is big energy. We visited We Rock the Spectrum in Franklin Park one day. Had a lot of fun. He loved that kind of place. Our other child, Fiona, she's 9. … We wanted a place in Naperville with all the sensory needs. We have a quiet art area. A calming room in the back. What we call 'low-stim,' a place to have quiet fun. … They both like it here. They were our guinea pigs.'
Is this a chain? 'It's a franchise. There's not a lot in Illinois. … A lot in California, Florida, Texas. There's quite a few in Canada.'
What was your job before? 'I worked in special education. First a teacher, then an administrator.'
Why is this business important? 'Inclusion is really important for all kids. … Gone are the days when kids with needs were in special classes down the hall. … We have to prepare kids to be accustomed to people who aren't like them.'
Is this a good location? 'It's a great location, this corner of Naperville. There's a little bit of everything here.'
How is your business doing? 'Business has been great. … We do a lot of events. Two New Year's Eve parties sold out. We recently had a princess party. … We have a lot of fun with our community events.'
What age groups visit? 'During the school day, we're more a 4-and-under crowd, a toddler crowd. On the weekends, I'd say kids 10 and under. A lot of families come out for a few hours.'
When are you busy? 'Winter is good. Rainy spring days are good. We do a ton of birthday parties during the weekend, which are really fun.'
What are your hours? '10 to 6 every day except when we are closed for private parties.'
What's the cost? 'Twelve dollars first kid, $10 each sibling. We try to keep it reasonable. … We also offer five visits for $50. That's our most popular. We offer eight (visits) for $75. Unlimited monthly membership for $99.'
Is there a time limit? 'We say two hours, but I don't know if we've ever kept track.'
What's the rent for a birthday party? '(It's) $350 for two hours, 25 kids.'
Where do you find equipment? 'The big stuff is made by a therapy company. Our swing sculpture was built by a local welder we hired. We created a little grocery store.'
What do you like best? 'I love that kids don't want to leave.'
Any future plans? 'We hope to expand. There's nothing next door.'
Any favorite stories? 'We had a customer who sent us a photo. Her son built (a replica of) We Rock the Spectrum using Legos. It was so cool. … Another parent told us his daughter woke him in the middle of the night and asked if they could come here.'
What's your advice for someone starting a business? 'The first year is letting people know you're here in any way you can. … You've got to invite them in. … Don't assume anybody knows you're there.'
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