What is an Educational Consultant?
An Educational Consultant (EC) is an independent professional who is hired by parents to assist in addressing the academic and special needs of their student. Educational Consultants spend a great deal of time visiting the many schools, programs, and colleges that make up this ever expanding treatment field. In short, they have a finger on the pulse of the treatment world, evaluating new schools and programs while keeping abreast of the changes at existing ones.

Who pays for the services of an Educational Consultant?
Educational Consultants are paid by families directly. They generally charge a retainer for a specific length of time and services provided, though some offer hourly rates as well.

How will working with an Educational Consultant benefit my son or daughter?
The internet makes a great deal of information about schools and programs readily accessible. However, it can be challenging if not impossible for parents to wade through all this information and find out anything substantive about the people who run these programs. Educational Consultants actually visit the schools and programs, have established relationships with the personnel and have face-to-face knowledge regarding the quality of services provided. Furthermore, a reputable Educational Consultant will do a careful assessment with your family to find an optimal fit.

So what services do most Educational Consultants provide?

• ECs assess your family situation to support you in making an informed decision about treatment for your son or daughter.
• ECs provide assistance in finding resources to support your family.
• ECs provide education and orientation regarding the complex and varied world of treatment.
• ECs network of relationships with programs and other consultants gives them a wealth of information that can be put to use for your family.
• ECs provide a continuity of care as you might move from crisis to intervention to program to home.
• An EC is your advocate. If the program is not meeting its responsibilities in some way, educational consultants can help lend some weight to your concern.

How do I know if our family should work with an Educational Consultant?
At Open Sky we believe that families should seriously consider hiring an Educational Consultant when any of the following circumstances are present:

• The child’s problems have lasted a year or longer
• There have already been several ineffective treatment approaches
• The parenting unit is not working well as a team
• The child’s issues are complex
• Family dynamics are complex
• The wilderness therapist recommends some kind of structured aftercare setting (therapeutic boarding school, residential treatment center)
• Your child and/or family are dealing with serious substance abuse or addiction

Is spending the money on an Educational Consultant worth the extra expense?
While it may be tempting to avoid the expense, you know more than anyone how important it is to find the right program for your child. Ending up with a poor fit can drain resources and waste valuable time. More concerning, however, is the hardship that an inappropriate fit creates for the child and family who are desperate for a positive experience.

So how do I find a reputable educational consultant?
Open Sky admissions counselors and therapists can offer you a list of referrals based on your geographic location and particular needs. Also, you can visit the Independent Educational Consultant Association website, to review their network of consultants.