A Roadmap for Academic and Personal Success

Beyond Standard Advising: The Power of a Personalized Plan

Standard school guidance often focuses on logistics, but rarely delves into the deep interplay between a student’s unique cognitive profile and the learning environment itself. Our process is different. It is a deep, holistic consultation that provides clarity and direction based on psychological principles and evidence-based research.

Studies have consistently shown that personalized learning approaches have a significant, positive impact on student achievement (Rand Corporation, 2015). Furthermore, finding the right educational environment can dramatically enhance long-term outcomes, including college enrollment and graduation rates (Urban Institute, 2019). Our “Find Your Fit” consultation is designed to deliver this level of personalization to your family.

Who Can Benefit from a “Find Your Fit” Consultation?

This specialized consultation is ideal for families at a crossroads, seeking expert guidance to make confident decisions. We frequently work with:

• Students Struggling in Their Current Environment: For students who are feeling frustrated, anxious, or “stuck” academically or socially, we help identify the core mismatch between their needs and their school’s offerings.

• Families Considering Different Schooling Options: We provide objective, expert analysis to help you compare and contrast various educational models (e.g., public, private, charter, specialized schools like Pine View, or homeschooling) in the context of your child’s specific profile.

• Students with Diagnoses like ADHD or Learning Disorders: A diagnosis is the first step; creating a tailored academic plan is the next. We translate diagnostic reports into practical, school-based strategies and help you find an environment that can effectively implement them.

• Gifted and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students: These students require a unique educational path that can accommodate their advanced intellect while supporting their challenges. We specialize in helping families find or create an educational plan that prevents boredom and fosters their unique talents National Association for Gifted Children.

Our Consultation Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Clarity

The “Find Your Fit” consultation is a structured process designed to provide you with a comprehensive, data-driven plan.

Step 1: Deep Dive Intake and Record Review

The process begins with an in-depth consultation with one of our child psychology experts, such as Dr. Keri Downs. We gather a complete history and review all relevant documents, including report cards, teacher feedback, and any previous psychological or psychoeducational evaluations.

Step 2: Synthesis and Clinical Integration

Our psychologist then synthesizes all available information. This crucial step involves integrating the data from previous testing with the developmental history and current concerns to build a holistic profile of the student’s learning style, cognitive strengths, executive functioning skills, and social-emotional needs. This comprehensive integration is a standard recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Step 3: The Collaborative Consultation Session

This is the core of the service. You will meet with your psychologist for a dedicated session to discuss the findings. We will explain your child’s learning profile in clear, understandable terms and collaboratively explore the pros and cons of various educational paths and intervention strategies.

Step 4: The “Roadmap” – Your Personalized Written Plan

Following the session, you will receive a concise, written summary of our findings and a “Roadmap” of clear, actionable recommendations. This document is a powerful tool that can be used to guide conversations with schools, advocate for specific accommodations, or make a final decision on school placement. It provides the foundation for navigating the IEP or 504 Plan process in Sarasota County schools.

Our Award-Winning, Evidence-Based Approach

Our commitment to providing the highest quality psychological services has been recognized by the community. Davenport Psychology has been honored to be voted Best Psychologist in Venice, FL, and Best of SRQ Local Best Psychologist. We base our recommendations on proven, evidence-based practices to ensure your family receives the most effective guidance possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “Find Your Fit” consultation the same as a full psychological evaluation?

No. This consultation is designed to synthesize existing information. If no prior testing has been done, or if it is outdated, we will typically recommend a Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation first, as the “Find Your Fit” service is most powerful when it is informed by current, detailed data.

Do you recommend specific private schools?

Our goal is to provide you with a detailed profile of the type of learning environment best suited for your child. While we are familiar with the educational landscape in Sarasota and Venice, our primary role is to empower you with the criteria and questions needed to evaluate any school for its suitability, rather than endorsing specific institutions.