Involving the Family in Students' Success
At Wellspring Academies, we believe it's critical for families to be as involved as possible in their child's journey toward healthier living. Families send their child to us because they are committed to their child's long-term health and happiness, and we support that commitment by involving families every step of the way.
Collaborative Team
When your child enrolls in Wellspring Academies, he or she will be helped and supported by a collaborative team that includes teachers, personal trainers, activity coaches, clinical professionals, school administrators—and YOU. We want family members to view themselves as vital members of the student's collaborative treatment team, providing support during their child's stay with us and in the home environment.
Following Your Child's Progress
During your child's stay at Wellspring, you will be in frequent contact with your child's collaborative team, receiving updates on academic, behavioral and weight loss progress. Regular phone calls with your child's Behavioral Coach are scheduled to keep you updated on milestones and challenges, and you will be able to speak directly with any member of staff should you have concerns about specific issues.
In addition to phone and email contact with Wellspring professionals, you will be able to follow your child's progress on our online Parent Check-In site. This secure portal gives you access to bi-weekly progress reports, activity updates, upcoming events, and lots of pictures so can follow everything happening on campus.
Phone calls with your child are limited to set times each week, with phone calls becoming more frequent as your child adjusts to life at Wellspring and begins working up the Wellspring Level System. We limit calls home so that your child can focus on the healthy new behaviors and support systems that he or she is developing. This allows for true immersion in Wellspring, maximizing the benefits that your child receives from time with us. Of course we will always connect you with your child immediately in the case of an emergency.
Family Workshops
During your child’s stay with us, you will be asked to attend a 3-day Family Workshop. This Workshop provides families with an immersion into the science of weight control and the Wellspring Plan. Family members participate in weight loss activities and culinary classes, meet with your child's Behavioral Coach, and learn how best to support their child at home.
Wellspring believes so strongly in the importance of our Family Workshops that we offer a financial incentive: If at least one member of your family attends a Family Workshop during your child’s stay at Wellspring, we will refund $300 of the refundable fees charged at the time of your child’s enrollment.
Elements of the Family Workshop include:- Important information about the science of weight gain and weight loss—including information about fad diets, the low-fat vs. low-carb debate, and the role of both biology and environment in weight gain.
- Parenting to promote healthy weight loss: Letting go of your role as "food police" and motivating children without using food as a reward.
- Using the Wellspring Plan at home: Parents receive self-monitoring journals, calorie counters, and pedometers, and then set goals and commit to self-monitor and journal over the duration of the Family Workshop. This helps them understand important elements of Wellspring's behavioral change program.
- Family sessions with Wellspring Behavioral Coaches.
- Culinary and nutrition demonstrations and presentations.
An Investment in Your Entire Family
Often more than one member of a family is struggling with weight issues, whether it's a parent or another sibling. One of the benefits of investing in your child's health at Wellspring Academies is the opportunity it creates for all members of your family to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
In a recent family survey, 95% of parents stated that other family members also lost weight as a result of one child attending Wellspring. This is clear evidence of the emphasis that Wellspring places on family involvement.
We want your entire family to benefit from the investment you make with us; so in addition to attending Family Workshops, we encourage family members to use our year-long Continuing Care Program to support their child and to further their own weight loss goals. We offer the program at no charge to family members who wish to use it.
