Brighter Pathways © 2009
1237 E. Livingston Street, Suite B
Orlando, FL 32803-5401
Ph: 407-895-0540 ~ Fax: (407) 228-9771
Licenses: SS00305 ~ MH02676 ~ PCE-9
For preschool and Kindergarten children, Dr. Messenger offers a "mini" version of the comprehensive evaluation. The same major areas are evaluated as in a full testing, but many tests that are appropriate for school-age children are not suitable for young children.
At this age, emphasis is primarily upon identifying developmental levels compared to other children the exact same age. The Early Childhood Evaluation is appropriate to answer questions such as: Is my child ready for Kindergarten? Does my child have any "red flags" of Learning Disabilities I can address now? Is my child's restless behavior typical or not for the age? Is my child advanced? Delayed?
The Early Childhood Evaluation yields a formal written report of the results, which will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of your appointment. Because this report is confidential, a copy will be mailed to the school, physician or other third party only with signed, written consent. This office strictly abides by all current privacy laws.
Areas Assessed
1. Intellectual: This testing provides a "baseline" of ability level. It will provide information as to whether your child is within expectancy for the age. It will also give a picture of strengths and weaknesses. If the results place your child in the upper 2% of the population, they can be submitted for Gifted placement in the public school system if your child is registered for Kindergarten at the time of the testing (public school policy). Dr. Messenger's evaluations are appropriate and acceptable for all school systems within the state of Florida and often other states as well, depending on their criteria.
The most common IQ tests used are Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fifth Edition (SB-5), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Test of Intelligence-Third Edition (WPPSI-III). There are critical differences among the tests. They vary in factors such as how much emphasis is placed upon speed, numerical reasoning and paper-and-pencil manipulation. Dr. Messenger will determine during the session which test is the best match by administering a number of sample items from each one.
2. Academic and Readiness Skills: This testing provides information about a child's school skills-or readiness to start Pre-K, K, or 1st grade. At very young ages, concepts include size, shape and color up to directions and time (before, after, etc.) Somewhat higher skills are copying designs, matching and naming letters and numbers, and writing one's name. Later skills include basic reading (sight, phonics and comprehension), basic math (written problems and word problems) and basic writing (spelling and copying).
3. Behavioral/Processing: Testing in this area will vary depending upon the referral questions and Dr. Messenger's impressions from the above two areas. Rating scales may focus on impulsivity or distractibility. Tests administered may include listening skills and paying attention. Some process screening may be done, for example, in areas of memory or visual-motor skills. Other assessment may include self-esteem, anxiety or depression.
The Session
The entire evaluation and consultation takes approximately 3 hours. Because most test instruments are complex and many items are untimed, the actual time needed to complete the evaluation varies from student to student.
The first 10-15 minutes of the test session allows both parent and child to become familiar with the testing room. Some initial practice items are offered to the child, and rapport is established. Then the testing begins! Usually, Dr. Messenger will take a break or two with the child, depending on individual needs. We have drinks and snacks in the office, but you are certainly welcome to bring your own.
At the completion of testing, Dr. Messenger spends about ½ an hour in consultation with parents reviewing the results. She will review and explain the findings in detail, including observations, standardized scores, strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations. Thus, you will know your child's scores and status immediately following the evaluation. The report will be mailed directly to parents within 7-10 days.
At this age, emphasis is primarily upon identifying developmental levels compared to other children the exact same age. The Early Childhood Evaluation is appropriate to answer questions such as: Is my child ready for Kindergarten? Does my child have any "red flags" of Learning Disabilities I can address now? Is my child's restless behavior typical or not for the age? Is my child advanced? Delayed?
The Early Childhood Evaluation yields a formal written report of the results, which will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of your appointment. Because this report is confidential, a copy will be mailed to the school, physician or other third party only with signed, written consent. This office strictly abides by all current privacy laws.
Areas Assessed
1. Intellectual: This testing provides a "baseline" of ability level. It will provide information as to whether your child is within expectancy for the age. It will also give a picture of strengths and weaknesses. If the results place your child in the upper 2% of the population, they can be submitted for Gifted placement in the public school system if your child is registered for Kindergarten at the time of the testing (public school policy). Dr. Messenger's evaluations are appropriate and acceptable for all school systems within the state of Florida and often other states as well, depending on their criteria.
The most common IQ tests used are Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fifth Edition (SB-5), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Test of Intelligence-Third Edition (WPPSI-III). There are critical differences among the tests. They vary in factors such as how much emphasis is placed upon speed, numerical reasoning and paper-and-pencil manipulation. Dr. Messenger will determine during the session which test is the best match by administering a number of sample items from each one.
2. Academic and Readiness Skills: This testing provides information about a child's school skills-or readiness to start Pre-K, K, or 1st grade. At very young ages, concepts include size, shape and color up to directions and time (before, after, etc.) Somewhat higher skills are copying designs, matching and naming letters and numbers, and writing one's name. Later skills include basic reading (sight, phonics and comprehension), basic math (written problems and word problems) and basic writing (spelling and copying).
3. Behavioral/Processing: Testing in this area will vary depending upon the referral questions and Dr. Messenger's impressions from the above two areas. Rating scales may focus on impulsivity or distractibility. Tests administered may include listening skills and paying attention. Some process screening may be done, for example, in areas of memory or visual-motor skills. Other assessment may include self-esteem, anxiety or depression.
The Session
The entire evaluation and consultation takes approximately 3 hours. Because most test instruments are complex and many items are untimed, the actual time needed to complete the evaluation varies from student to student.
The first 10-15 minutes of the test session allows both parent and child to become familiar with the testing room. Some initial practice items are offered to the child, and rapport is established. Then the testing begins! Usually, Dr. Messenger will take a break or two with the child, depending on individual needs. We have drinks and snacks in the office, but you are certainly welcome to bring your own.
At the completion of testing, Dr. Messenger spends about ½ an hour in consultation with parents reviewing the results. She will review and explain the findings in detail, including observations, standardized scores, strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations. Thus, you will know your child's scores and status immediately following the evaluation. The report will be mailed directly to parents within 7-10 days.
Early Childhood
Evaluations
Evaluations
