CONSULTING SERVICES

Parent Coaching:

NEXT STEP has contracted with several programs to provide a series of coaching calls for their parents.  The calls start soon after enrollment and are typically a series of five calls.  The curriculum for the calls is developed to enhance the program and to provide an outside resource for parents.  During the critical first few months parents can go through a series of emotions from sadness to confidence, and from hope to guilt.  While the focus of the calls is to bring support and encouragement to the parents, NEXT STEP also brings years of experience of teaching.  Discussions may be centered on:

• Age-Appropriate Parenting Styles and Roles

• Effective Communication

• Progressing through a program - how to handle the pluses and the pitfalls

• Viewing the Process rather than the Event

• What is the Student's Work; What is the Parent Work

• Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Manipulation

Documented results as shared by program staff regarding the parent coaching facilitated by NEXT STEP includes:

• greater confidence and sense of calmness in parents

• a greater understanding of the process and procedures of a program

• more openness to engage sooner in the program

Parent coaching is an invaluable asset for any school or program.  It demonstrates a commitment to the family and to supporting parents with a value-added resource outside of the program.  The effects of a more committed and confident parent will be evidenced - in staff focus, in staff communication and in the relationships built between staff and parents. 

Transition Support and Development:

It seems to us that a program or school for struggling teens or young adults that does not have a strong aftercare component is a bit like General Motors not testing and warranting their cars after they leave the assembly line.  Yet most programs find it a daunting task to develop the staff and curriculum that will best prepare their students for 'life after program'. 

NEXT STEP Program Consulting has the experience and tools to either support programs in providing post-departure coaching for parents through our TRANSITIONING coaching services, or in helping to design and implement an in-house supervised aftercare program. 

Our experienced certified parent coaches have worked with or are currently working with many families whose teen or young adult has returned or soon will return home from extended stays in wilderness programs or residential schools and programs.  This work has provided a unique hands-on opportunity to determine the optimum elements that make an effective transitioning plan. 

NEXT STEP FOR SUCCESS® Program Consulting will work closely with your program or school to development a transition plan that will complement and support your program philosophy by:

      • Assessing program lessons and strengths
      • Evaluating scope of transition involvement
      • Developing content and time frame

      • Providing training for transition staff using the coaching model

Parents want pragmatic and effective tools that they can implement. 

We owe it to our families to provide them.

Staff Training and Development:

Coaching Certification

      • "Coaching Parents of Struggling Teens and Young Adults" - the only training that will result in certification of coach

          specific training hours as approved by the International Coach Federation

At NEXT STEP FOR SUCCESS® we believe a key to program effectiveness is demonstrated staff skills.  As the number of residential and wilderness programs expand, more in-depth, pre-enrollment scrutiny by prospective families will also increase.

At the same time, and rightfully, there is increased scrutiny of the industry from Congress.  State and federal officials will demand more information about staff and program credentials and effectiveness.  NEXT STEP is dedicated to supporting programs and schools by providing skills training for their staff.  Our Coach Training has been approved by the International Coach Federation and is the only curriculum that provides a certification specific to coaching parents, struggling teens and young adults.

Each NEXT STEP coach, consultant and trainer is a certified parent coach.  Each has extensive experience working in programs in positions from management to line staff, from headmaster to parent educator, from staff trainer to program developer.

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TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS

NEXT STEP FOR SUCCESS® offers a variety of trainings and workshops to enhance staff performance:

      • "From Inquiry to After Care: Building the Complete Program" - extending the program's effectiveness

      • "Emotional Intelligence: You Are The Lesson" - proven methods for building trust and team effectiveness

      • "Overcoming The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" - including EQ assessment and individual coaching

      • "Five Critical Skills for Coaching Struggling Teens and Young Adults" - an all-day dive into the Woodbury essay

           series

All of the NEXT STEP offerings can be presented on your site or at an off-site location of your choosing. 

In addition, as a value-added for key staff, small group seminars are regularly held at our corporate retreat outside of scenic Bend, Oregon.  From airport greeting to home-cooked meals, walks along the Deschutes River to optional summer or winter excursions in the Cascade Mountains, the NEXT STEP retreat is a special introduction to relaxed learning in inspirational surroundings.