Getting Started with the Placement
At the initial meeting with both parents and students, we discuss issues that are cause for placement. Many parents often tell us "they need our help and guidance". They are simply "lost on what to do" We hear comments: " we have tried everything, what can we do? The solution is not simple. We have work with parents and students many years to address all areas of educational placement. This includes: identifying behavior in previous schools and home, and addressing the impact this has had on the family. We sometimes have to suggest family therapy as part of the counseling process during the placement. We often have to move the student from the area where he or she is living to provide more intervention with the parents and greater success for the students.
Even when students are in a placement they need direction and support and intervention. . We are extensively trained at locating programs that fit the student. We believe finding the BEST placement is our goal. We do not pressure parents, or do we make decisions, for parents or students. They are provided with complete confidential agreement by consent and students in programs, have options to remain in a program or to leave a program voluntarily. We believe complete cooperation is needed for success an this can only be achieved when the student and parent are in agreement.
The emotional growth areas of the student are sometimes problematic to the placement. We often request placement in a setting where intervention is possible. Research show that students do better academically in settings where there is personal growth and development. A school or a guidance counselor or psychologist is contacted to disuses the prior behavioral problems and even academic success. During the placement we contact the parent monthly and visit the schools of placement where the student is living. The process is not always simple. Many parents would like us to fix the problem overnight. But the fact is, it takes time and planning. We need the parents to provide us as much information, as well as records, from the school or other health care professionals to make our recommendations to the school or placement and the parent.
There is a two-stage process to help parents. One is finding the best placement. The other is determining if the student is in the best setting for academic and emotional growth.
Reviewing the records of the students with parents is important. Addressing all areas of their placement including review of past and current physical health, mental health, academic level is important. The consultant also requests psychological testing. When needed. Whether a student has a learning difference or an emotional growth issues we provide a written contract for parents explaining our services and fees.
Fees and Services
We provide a free initial evaluation for parents. This allows the parent to determine if the services we provide are indeed desired. All placement cost are discuss at that time anew we ask that parents provide a retainer to cover the initial cost of placement. The cost for out of state placement or in state placement are discussed.
A contract of this agreement is given to the parent after we have discussed the placement and the payment can be made by check or money order. We can arrange for the payment to be part of the loan disbursement. Often the school will release the monies to cover the expense of hiring a consultant and send the monies directly to the consultant. The parent can decide which payment is best. All payments must be made within ( 30 days ) after the placement. Additional expenses are itemized and an invoice will be provided at the time of service to all parents. Additional expenses might include request for testing and other related services of doing business.
You can call and request a contract and we will send you one. We want to make this process simple, not complex. We can mail a contract to your address and provide a self addressed stamped envelope for you to return.
A complete package will be given to you at the time of our meeting. If you live out of town we will come to meet you to discuss your educational placement needs. We believe that meeting you in person is much more personal, than just sending information to you and not knowing your needs. We want to make the process simple and easy for you to get with us and to discuss your child and his/her options. |