If you’re unsure whether your son or daughter is ready to move on from pre-school and take the big step into primary education, an educational assessment from a child psychologist can help you make an informed decision. An educational assessment helps psychologists to more accurately understand the child’s intellectual development and achievements in order to decide whether more time or greater assistance is needed to aid them in their academic development.
Educational assessments are not just for children with learning difficulties; in fact, some parents find it useful to engage a psychologist for an early school entry assessment when they’re considering sending their child to primary school below the age of five. In these cases you may consider booking an assessment, in order to make sure your son or daughter is ready emotionally, psychologically and cognitively.
What Does a School Entry Assessment Involve?
For children between 2.6 years old and 7.7 years old, we use the internationally recognised Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV). This involves an initial discussion with the parent and, if you grant permission and we deem it appropriate, with the child’s school. One of our child psychologists will guide your son or daughter through number of activities which assess their performance across different domains. This assessment takes about an hour and a half.
If there are other concerns about your child’s behaviour, you may consider a behavioural assessment to determine what the root of these challenging behaviours may be. A behavioural assessment can help to identify signs of ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, school bullying, low self-esteem, peer and family relationship issues, issues surrounding grief and loss, depression and mood disorders as well as learning difficulties.
What Are the Benefits of a School Entry Assessment?
- Having the peace of mind that your child is prepared to cope with the change
- Knowing that your child will be able to keep up with learning at a normal pace
- Being able to give your child an extra year to develop if an early school entry assessment demonstrates that they’re not ready for school quite yet
- Getting a better idea of your child’s cognitive functioning, and therefore being able to assist and relate to them in ways that are helpful and encouraging
- Being able to give your child the tools to develop – no matter what their cognitive ability
- You can share the results with your child’s school and doctor if you think it would be beneficial
- Being able to help your child settle into school life
- Inform your choice of school
- Gives teachers resources to plan lessons for children with differing stages of development and some with specific learning requirements
- Can help to identify learning difficulties including dyslexia, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder among others
For more information about school entry assessments and other educational and cognitive assessments, get in touch with one of our child psychologists in Canberra. Contact us on 02) 6262 6157. Alternatively you can secure an appointment online within seven days.