On-site consultations are tailored to meet the specific needs of the team members who submit the request. The main purpose of an on-site consultation is to provide professionals with ideas, strategies, and suggestions related to their identified area of concern. It is important that the person who initiates the request be a member of the team that will receive the assistance on the day of the consultation. The consultant contacts the professional requesting the consultation and schedules the visit. If the request focuses on a specific student, the consultant may ask that data be taken on the student's behavior prior to the consultation.
Consultations take many forms.
The consultant and the school personnel initiating the request will determine the format of the consultation prior to the site visit. It is important that time be set aside during the school day for the consultant to meet with school staff to discuss ideas. Following the consultation, the consultant will prepare a written summary of the ideas and suggestions that address the identified needs. The summary report will be mailed to the individual who requested the on-site consultation, usually within 2 weeks. The team representative will be asked to complete an evaluation of the consultant's services and indicate whether they need a follow-up consultation.