Planning not Placement

Over the years,  the Bodin name became synonymous with placement.  This is an incorrect label given that much of our work is planning.  Planning for success at home.  We utilize our clinically trained Educational Consultants, local resources  and creative planning to develop a wrap-around plan individually catered to the needs of the particular student.

Of course, this is not to say that placement does not become necessary in some cases.  Our extensive travel and knowledge of the many different programs, schools and levels of care make us a valuable resource in those cases.  Each year, we visit and evaluate over 100 schools and programs around the country.  We also work hard to stay connected to local schools and resources as well.

For more information visit www.thebodingroup.com

What is a Troubled Teen?

Most people would use that term to describe the kid down the street known to have troubles with the law or who has a history of using alcohol or pot. For the Educational Consultants at Bodin, we see troubled teens who do fit the typical idea of a troubled teen, but who are not thriving for many reasons other than substance use and troubles with the law. We work with adolescents, young adults and families who need guidance developing appropriate and individualized plans for academic and emotional growth. We have developed relationships with schools, programs and individual resources throughout the country in order to ensure that a plan we create will be successful. Much of our work is with the families in order to maintain the plan and not fall prey to the common parenting pitfalls that can interrupt or setback these plans.

If you think you have a troubled teen and would like to speak to a consultant, call 800-874-2124

Back to school!

The start of new school year is usually an exciting time, but if you have troubled teen or a struggling teen, you may be approaching this time with a high level of anxiety about what this year will bring. Often, parents that call Bodin looking for help from an Educational Consultant have previously thought about calling, but put it off hoping things would get better. That is perfectly fine, there is help for you and your student when you are ready. The plans that our consultants put together are based solely on the individual student and family needs. Whether it’s researching local private school options for a student struggling with learning issues or residential options for a student with a more complex set of issues, we can help.

Check out www.thebodingroup.com or call 800-874-2124 to speak to someone today.

If you need an Educational Consultant, Call Bodin!

We can help your troubled teen. It is our job to get to know your family and develop the best plan for your child. You can speak to one our clinically trained consultants today. Call 800-874-2124 or visit www.thebodingroup.com.

In this economy, why would I hire an Educational Consultant?

In a stagnant economy it is always difficult to make decisions to spend money on what appear on the surface to be discretionary services. However the odd part is, when you are going to spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on a traditional or special needs program for your child, can you really afford to make a mistake, especially in this economy? Of course no consultant can guaranty success, but a good one can maximize the potential for a positive outcome and put you and your child in a position where, with commitment and effort, a favorable outcome is not just possible, but likely.

What is an educational consultant?

Simply put, and believe me the services Educational Consultants provide are not simple; Educational Consultant’s provide services to families with young children to young adults who seek expertise about the educational and social emotional options for their children.  At one end of the spectrum is the traditional educational consultant who will assist families in looking at day schools, boarding schools and college. At the other end are those consultants working with the special needs child, students who have behavioral or learning issues, or both.  Everywhere along the spectrum, many families need assistance in understanding their options, facilitating the process, demystifying the chaos and creating a plan that gives the family and the student peace of mind that they are not alone.

Treatment without diagnosis is like archery without a target.

AN EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING GROUP

Decisions about treatment and placement for children,  adolescents  and young adults require information.  Often such decisions are made too quickly and without sufficient data.  Psychological testing utilizes standardized assessment techniques to evaluate a person’s cognitive, academic and emotional functioning.

Our clinical psychologists have extensive experience in working with children and adolescents with a wide variety of clinical, educational and social/emotional problems.   There expertise in the psychological assessment of at-risk children and adolescents provides the foundation for appropriate educational and therapeutic treatment recommendations. In addition, many programs require testing as a part of their admissions process, and our testing meets these needs.  

 Our comprehensive evaluation focuses on all three critical domains:

Cognitive Functioning:  What are the student’s strengths and weaknesses in the areas of verbal comprehension, spatial and nonverbal reasoning skills, memory and concentration, problem solving, impulse control and judgment?

 Academic Functioning:  Is the student at grade level according to national norms?  Is there evidence of learning disabilities?  Why has school performance dropped off?  Are there specific reasons why this student is struggling?  What remedies are called for?  What are reasonable academic expectations? What types of school recommendations will help the child be more successful?  Does the child need an Individual Educational Plan?

 Emotional Functioning:  Is there an underlying emotional cause that explains this child’s behavior?  Clinical interviews and testing can help to uncover depression, anxiety, problems with substance use, eating and sleep disorders, identity and self-esteem functioning, emotional and interpersonal dynamics.  An assessment of risk for self-harm, suicide, and aggression as well as most appropriate treatment approaches is also a part of the assessment. 

An integrated report pulls together all the data in an informative and readable style.  Many times psychological reports are little more than lists of tests administered and obtained scores.  A report from Bodin Associates Testing Service is a comprehensive analysis of all the data written in a narrative style that is easy to read and understand.  This document provides a road map of where this particular journey started, where it is presently, and shows predicted routes that are dependent on treatment choices presently being reviewed.  The report informs the decision-making process by providing an analysis of the test data and a context for understanding this individual at this point in time.

In addition, SSAT testing can be administered for admission to private secondary schools.