FAQs
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
HOW LONG HAS THE LLC BEEN IN EXISTENCE ?
Richard Celestin Consulting Group LLC was created in 2009.
WHAT AGE RANGE DO YOU PROVIDE SERVICES FOR ?
Through experience, I have discovered that the grades most suitable for most of the programs developed range from 5th grade and up. Programs are also available for adults as well.
ARE YOU A VENDOR WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION? DO YOU HAVE A VENDOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ?
I have been a vendor with the Department of Education since 2009. I have a Vendor Identification Number, which is included on all invoices.
HOW CAN I GET THE PROGRAM INTO MY SCHOOL ?
If you are interested in bringing the YDP into your school OR schedule a workshop, please have a school administrator contact me. I can also present to the PTA and navigate into the school through parent support.
WHEN DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR CAN THE PROGRAM BE IMPLEMENTED ?
The YDP is implemented as two programs through the school year: a Fall Program, which runs from September to December (with a debate competition scheduled for December); and a Spring Program, which runs from January or February to May or June (with a debate competition scheduled for May or June). Workshops are implemented as needed.
WHEN IS THE DEBATE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY ?
The program is designed to be as flexible as possible so that it can meet the needs of the Principal and teachers involved. With that said, I have seen the program implemented as a before-school program, after-school program, Saturday program, or as a replacement for a class during the day. I defer to the discretion of the school when discussing implementation during the school day.
DO THE TEACHERS NEED SPECIAL TRAINING TO IMPLEMENT THE DEBATE PROGRAM IN THE SCHOOL ?
The YDP officially begins with a professional development for those teachers that will be implementing the program. During the PD, the teachers are trained on the curriculum and participate in mock lessons. The training can take place at any agreed upon time by the teachers and typically runs for 45-60 minutes.
HOW OFTEN DO THE STUDENTS NEED TO MEET TO PARTICIPATE IN THE YOUNG DEBATERS PROGRAM ?
Once again, I defer to the discretion of the Principal and the teachers involved in implementing the program. In addition, the scheduling is based on the availability of the teachers. I have seen the program implemented once a week for one period, two or more times for one period at a time, or once a week for multiple hours.
IS THERE AN ADDITIONAL FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CULMINATING EVENT, THE DEBATE COMPETITION ?
The debate competition, which is the culminating event for the program, is included in the cost of the program. The competition, all administrative work behind the competition, as well as any gifts and services provided to the students on the day of the competition are included in the package price.
WHERE ARE THE DEBATE COMPETITIONS USUALLY HELD ?
Young Debaters Program Debate Competitions take place at either at CUNY School of Law or St. John’s School of Law, based on availability of the space in the schools on the date of the competitions.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST ?
The cost of the program varies based on several factors: (1) whether a school elects to participate in a Fall or Spring Program; (2) whether a school elects to just participate in a competition as opposed to participating in the curriculum lessons; or (3) participating in the 6-week program, which entails six lessons as well as an opportunity for students to compete at the debate competition. For more information about cost, please contact me.
MY SON/DAUGHTER WANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. DO YOU PROVIDE ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS ?
At the moment, the Young Debaters Program is only offered through schools. However, there is a goal of providing one-on-one sessions in the near future for both students as well as parents.
CAN THE YOUNG DEBATERS PROGRAM BE IMPLEMENTED IN A NON-SCHOOL SETTING (YOUTH ORGANIZATION, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM, ETC.) ?
Yes. The YDP has been implemented in community centers, alternative-to-detention and incarceration programs, and independent after-school programs. Please contact me to discuss how we can make it work at your organization.
WHAT TYPES OF WORKSHOPS DO YOU PROVIDE ?
Workshops typically fall into one of three categories- Law Based, Skill Development and Social-Emotional. Topics can range from Know Your Rights, Soft Skill Development and Mastery, Resilience Building, Emotional Intelligence and more.
HOW LONG DOES EACH WORKSHOP RUN ?
The length of workshops depends on the amount of sessions for the workshop as well as the size of the audience. A workshop can range from a single session to a 6, 8, or 12 week cycle. On average, a workshop lasts 60 minutes.
WHERE AND WHEN WOULD THE WORKSHOPS TAKE PLACE ?
Workshops would take place on-site at your location at a time that is most convenient for you and the audience.
I AM PART OF THE PTA AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOU CONDUCT A WORKSHOP WITH MY PARENTS. IS THAT POSSIBLE ?
Yes. I have conducted workshops with parents during PTA meetings that focus on the needs of their children as well as how parents can empower themselves and become more involved in their children’s life.
DO YOU JUST DO WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS ?
Workshops can take place in schools, community centers, churches, organizations- anywhere that there is a need and an audience I can accommodate.
IS THERE A FEE TO CONDUCT A WORKSHOP ?
Yes. Workshops are presented for a reasonable fee. Fees can be paid through school funds, PTA funds or Title I funds.
I COORDINATE THE CAREER DAY IN MY SCHOOL AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOU PRESENT. HOW CAN I GO ABOUT DOING THAT ?
I love participating in Career Days. Please contact me with the date and time and, provided I am available, I will gladly attend and support your school.
I AM A PRINCIPAL SEEKING A KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR MY GRADUATION. HOW CAN I GO ABOUT SECURING YOU ?
It truly is an honor to speak to the graduating class and impart words of insight and wisdom. Please contact me with the date and time and, provided I am available, I will gladly attend and deliver the keynote speech. There is no fee for this service.