How Can an Educational Consultant Help Me Make Decisions?

Educational Consultants are professionals trained to guide you through the entire process of locating an appropriate Residential Treatment Center (RTC).

Making the Best Choice for You Child

Finding the best RTC to match your child's needs, remembering the fact that adopted children may have different issues than birth children, will reduce your stress and your child’s stress. It is not uncommon for children to be placed at more than one RTC for a short period of time before the family decides to move them to another facility that is a better match. With an educational consultant to guide your family, you have a better chance of making the best choice on the first placement.

There are also other types of therapeutic programs other than RTC programs which may be a better fit for your child (other types of treatment programs). A certified educational consult will help the family formulate future plans to match the ongoing needs of the child. Knowledge of the RTC's across the country is essential and most educational consultants visit dozens of campuses each year. They know many of the managers on a first name basis.

Educational consultants have a wide variety of specialties and a wide variation in fees.  Some consultants charge an hourly fee. Typical hourly fees (in Arizona) would run between $95 and $175/hour.  Other consultants charge a comprehensive fee, allowing a family to work with a consultant for as much time and assistance as they need, often over several years.  Fees range from about $900 to $3500, depending upon the nature of the placements, testing required, etc.

You may also want a consultant who is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Member of this organization must possess a master’s degree; at least three years of admissions counseling experience; and experience working with scores of students before they will be considered.  This organization has developed a strict set of ethical guidelines that govern the actions of consultant in their relationships with students and families, schools and colleges, and with colleagues. IECA members do not accept any compensation for the educational institutions for placement of a child. You can find more information at www.educationalconsulting.org).