Our Approach

1. connection building

The process begins with a conversation during which you get to meet us and learn about our approach.  We also get to learn enough about your family to help us know if we will make a good team.

After our initial conversation(s), we will share contract details and begin to build a shared understanding of your hopes and concerns, as well as create a preliminary plan that helps us get on track.  This early work sets the stage for long-term success.

We often work with families who are in a state of crisis when they reach out to us.  This sense of urgency may be a driving factor in your decision to engage with an educational consultant.  We can respond to meet the urgent need while decreasing stress and increasing possibility. When families need support quickly, we can respond quickly.  We have supported families to identify schools and programs as well as initiate placements in as little as 24-48 hours, 1-2 weeks, and as long as 3-6 months.  

Some parents engage with us at early signs of concern about their child’s needs and we can develop a plan that supports you and your child in the right way at the right time.

In addition, Fresh Tracks assesses key aspects within the program or school regarding which therapist and staff are the best fit for a student and parents as well as the most appropriate group for each student.

2. information gathering

In addition to our in-person, phone, and/or video conversations, we will begin to gather information through transcripts, discharge summaries, past pertinent evaluations, and other resources that will help us understand the full picture of what might be underneath the feelings and behaviors that are preventing your child from reaching their potential.

We will work together to understand the full picture of your family.  This may include requesting pictures, video clips, and other types of media.

As we navigate this challenging time together, we may recruit additional professionals who are effective evaluators to help us understand your child’s needs and strengths.  Other team members may include psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, other mental health professionals, occupational therapists, neurologists, and other physicians.

4. decision making phase

Our team will make school/program recommendations and guide you through a review of their strengths and weaknesses, typically through website review along with our high-level perspective.  We will also discuss how these recommendations support our goals, the big picture as well as possible outcome scenarios, etc.

After we initially narrow the list down we will introduce you to the admissions team at each program. Phone calls and conferences will be scheduled with you and the admissions teams. If it is necessary and desired by parents, communication can be scheduled for previous professionals and the admissions teams.       

In-person or virtual tours can be scheduled if necessary. 

5. plan implementation

We will assist you in processing this information to make sure you are basing your decision on relevant and accurate information.   

Once we have made a decision, we will work with you through the enrollment process alongside the program/school admissions team. 

6. during the program

Fresh Tracks is invested in the whole experience. Once your child is enrolled in a program or a school we will continue to work with you, your child, and the program until the program has been completed. 

This is important to ensure your family's best interests and goals are kept at the forefront. In addition, it is helpful to have someone who is there to brainstorm, process, and simply listen during your family's experience.

7. planning for the next phase

Staying the course and keeping our goals in the forefront we will be available to discuss next step recommendations whether that is a return to home, continued treatment, traditional schools, or launching into a new chapter such as young adulthood, college, or career.