Learning Outcomes
According to Buysse and Hollingsworth (2009) the Resource Consultant model is characterized by a triadic relationship, with a client (the child or student), the consultee (an educator, staff person, or a parent or guardian for in-home consultation), and the consultant (who is the person with expertise in therapeutic, educational and inclusive practices). The triadic model leads the educator to make collaborative changes to the environment with the goal of supporting all children/students, rather than doing direct intervention with a specific child/student. This model is embedded in the Ontario provincial funding for Resource Consultation. The model, in theory, supports the people who are working most regularly with children or students and who are responsible for their care and education. The relationship between the Resource Consultant and the consultee is foundational to making positive changes. Buysee and Wesley鈥檚 (2004) 8 stages of consultation are an outline for resource consultants to follow to develop that relationship. The 8 stages are a plan for everyone within the triadic model (client, consultee and consultant) to establish goals and work to create an inclusive environment for all children/students. Note that the implementation of these goals often does not include the perspectives of children and families. This is a limitation of the implementation and funding for the model.
The following are the two main learning aims of this topic:
8 Stages
- Gain Entry
- Building the relationships
- Gathering information
- Setting goals
- Selecting strategies
- Implementing the plan
- Evaluating the plan
- Holding a summary conference
References
- Buysse, V., & Hollingsworth, H. L. (2009). Program Quality and Early Childhood Inclusion: Recommendations for Professional Development. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 29(2), 119-128.
- Buysse, V., & Wesley, P. W. (2004). A framework for understanding the consultation process: Stage-by-stage. Young Exceptional Children, 7(2), 2-9.
- Buysse, V. & Wesley, P. W. (2005). Consultation in Early Childhood Settings, p. 3-19. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing.
- Underwood, K., Smith, A., & Martin, J. (2019). Journal of Early Childhood Research, 17(2), 129-139.
Examples of resource consultation models
Page updated June 2026.