How to Conduct a Parent/Student Intake
This is a warm, student-centered intake, not a script. The student is usually in the room, so your first job is to win their trust.
The Intake Mindset
The intake is the first real moment of trust. Help the student feel hopeful, not judged. Talk directly to them, connect before school problems, and frame coaching around what matters to them: more freedom, less stress, fewer parent conflicts, and progress toward their own goals.
“We are not here to fix you. We are here to figure out what works for your brain, build systems that make school easier to manage, and help you hit your own goals with more confidence and less stress.”In the Room
“We want this to feel like something you have a say in. Coaching works best when you are willing to try, even if you are not fully sure yet. This is not about forcing another system on you. It is about figuring out what actually works for you.”Explain Executive Function Coaching, Briefly
Executive function skills are the skills behind the skills: planning, organizing, starting, following through, managing time, regulating stress, and asking for help. Coaching helps students build these as learnable skills, not character traits.
Coach Match Notes
- Personality and communication style
- Interests and sources of motivation
- Learning style and support preferences
- Schedule, location, virtual/in-person preference, and Homework Center needs
Close With Clarity and Hope
End with a real recommendation tied to what you heard, aimed at the student as much as the parent.
“Based on what you've shared, I think Untapped could be a strong fit. The next step is matching you with a coach who fits your personality, goals, and the support you need. Early on we focus on some quick wins, then on building systems that actually work for you, and over time on helping you run them more on your own.”Reference
Useful detail to expand when you need it.
Student-Centered Language
These are not scripts. Use them as examples of tone, direction, and language you can adapt in your own voice.