Ways TEdC Can Help You

Why should I work with a TEdC consultant?
Most families are in crisis when they begin the search for an appropriate placement for their troubled child or teen. The stress associated with dealing with an “at risk” child can be overwhelming and affects all family members. The recent increase in the number of schools and programs available can make exploring the Internet not only time consuming, but many parents are confounded by what to look for that will increase the chances their child will have a safe and successful placement. Most programs are now very expensive, and the emotional investment is enormous. Therapeutic Educational Consulting will help you through the confusion at a time when emotions can be overwhelming and the choices endless.

Our backgrounds as mental health therapists and professionals are an integral part of our work as placement specialists and educational consultants. We have personally visited, and stand behind, every program we recommend. We know the placement options and can help you move quickly should your family be in crisis.

How does Therapeutic Educational Consulting work with parents?
Marjorie Waynert, owner, is a professional with over 30 years experience working with children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings. At Therapeutic Educational Consulting, she works with families throughout the placement process both locally and out of state. During the placement process, she collects and reviews all pertinent background information, talks with professionals and stays in close contact with parents. After a client has been placed, Marjorie will monitor the placement and continue communication with parents whenever necessary. She frequently makes time to travel and meet with out-of-state and in-state families in their homes.

Why not work directly with a school or program?
The staffs working in schools and programs know their own programs best. Therapeutic Educational Consulting will offer you objective feedback on these programs you may have seen or read about in addition to providing valuable alternative options you may never know about working on your own. Accepting a payment from a school or program is an ethical violation of the standards of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the governing professional body for educational consultants of which Marjorie is an active member.

Will I save money by finding a school or program by myself?
Sometimes. However the risk - should your placement not work out - is financially enormous, as well as an emotional setback for your child. If you work with Therapeutic Educational Consulting, your chances of a successful placement are greatly increased. Marjorie is skilled at matching each student to the “right” school. Boarding schools are expensive and trying to “do it yourself” without the recommendations from a trusted advisor in the field may result in a placement failure.

Does Therapeutic Educational Consulting only work with troubled teens?
Marjorie has a broad range of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults who have a wide spectrum of special needs. Many of our clients have significant learning and behavioral needs as well as psychiatric diagnoses. Other students do not exhibit any behavioral problems but are in need of strong LD and/or AD/HD support. Marjorie has extensive experience with therapeutic/emotional growth schools as well as boarding schools that provide structured, individualized instruction, and remediation for attention deficits and/or learning problems.

My child is adopted. Will he/she feel abandoned if I place her out of our home?
At times, this can be a sensitive issue for a child and/or the family. Marjorie is extremely skilled at working with adopted children and their families. In fact, she and her husband have adopted children of their own. TEdC only refers adopted children to programs they are confident can work with their adoption issues. The ultimate goal is always to strengthen family bonds and develop healthy communication between family members.

What if my son or daughter does not want to go?
This is often the case for many young people, and the fear of leaving friends and family can add to their oppositional behaviors. Until the age of eighteen you have the right to place your child without his/her consent. TEdC works with several transportation services and will help you make arrangements to get your child safely to the appropriate program.

What happens if my child’s placement does not work out?
It is possible, although not probable, that an initial placement will not work out from the standpoint of your family or the school or program. In that case, TEdC will work with your family to find another, more suitable, educational program at no additional cost providing the placement is within the initial contract year.

How much does a typical school or program cost?
Traditional boarding schools generally range from $24,000 to $36,000 per year. Transitional schools that bridge the gap between therapeutic and traditional boarding schools range from $40,000 to $50,000 per year. Therapeutic and emotional growth schools and programs are more costly than traditional schools ($5,000 to $9,000 per month). Wilderness programs costs range from $350 - $450/day.

What if I cannot afford the kind of help or educational setting my child needs?
The parents we work with often have the need to procure an educational loan, borrow from family or use college funds earlier than expected. Our consultants can provide you with information regarding lower interest loans through companies that specialize in education. Although we cannot guarantee financial assistance, there may be avenues you have not considered.

What if our family lives out-of-state?
Although Therapeutic Educational Consulting maintains central offices in New Mexico, we work with families nationwide. We are familiar with educational institutions and programs throughout the United States. We can schedule an initial meeting either in your hometown or via telephone. The remainder of the placement process is conducted via phone, fax, and email. We are in close contact with our clients from the initial meeting to the final placement, whether they are local or out-of-state. Should you wish for a consultant to travel to you, you may choose this contract option.

Will I be involved in my child’s school/program?
TEdC only works with schools and programs that maintain a high level of family commitment and involvement. You will be closely involved in your child’s school and treatment throughout their placement.

What happens when my child is ready to return home from their program?
Therapeutic Educational Consulting recognizes the need for support services for adolescents returning home from wilderness programs and specialized boarding schools. Studies indicate adolescents are most vulnerable to peer pressure during the first 12 – 18 weeks after returning home. Most parents are fearful their child will reconnect with their negative peer group. TEdC works closely upon discharge to connect you to this step-down level of service. Transition agencies do charge for their services; however the cost is much less than while your child was in program. Transition team members work closely with family members, teachers, and local therapists to make the transition a successful experience.

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