Early Childhood Testing: Setting Your Child Up for Success
Written by Dr. Amy Rollo, PhD
Owner, Heights Family Counseling
Developmental Evaluation or School Readiness Evaluation
Deciding whether your child is ready for kindergarten can feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want to ensure they have the strongest foundation for learning and growth—both academically and socially. At Heights Family Counseling, we offer a developmental evaluation/school readiness evaluation to assess your child’s developmental and learning strengths, helping you make informed decisions about school placement, potential learning challenges, and future support.
What Does Early Childhood Testing Evaluate?
Our comprehensive assessment is designed for preschool-aged children who are either preparing for kindergarten or whose parents are unsure whether to move forward with enrollment. The testing process evaluates:
✅ Cognitive Potential – Understanding how your child learns, processes information, and solves problems.
✅ Risk for Learning Disabilities (Including Dyslexia) – Identifying potential red flags for reading, language, or processing difficulties early on.
✅ Attention & Executive Functioning – Assessing focus, impulse control, and readiness for structured learning environments.
✅ Kindergarten Readiness – Measuring skills such as early literacy, math concepts, fine motor skills, and social-emotional development to determine school readiness.
Who Is This Testing For?
This evaluation is ideal for families who:
✔️ Have a child in preschool or pre-K and are unsure whether they should advance to kindergarten or delay enrollment.
✔️ Want to identify early signs of learning differences so they can access support sooner.
✔️ Are considering different school environments (e.g., traditional, private, or specialized learning settings) and want guidance on the best fit.
✔️ Want a comprehensive look at their child’s strengths and challenges to better support their academic and social success.
How Can This Testing Help?
Early childhood assessments are not about labeling a child—they are about understanding your child’s unique learning profile so that you can set them up for success. Here’s how this testing can be beneficial:
🔹 Informed School Placement Decisions – Whether choosing between public, private, or specialized education, this evaluation can provide clarity on the best learning environment for your child.
🔹 Support for Early Intervention – If any learning challenges (such as dyslexia or attention difficulties) are identified, parents can start early interventions before kindergarten, improving long-term outcomes.
🔹 Guidance on Retaining in Pre-K vs. Advancing to Kindergarten – Some children thrive with an extra year of preschool, while others are ready to transition to a structured school setting. Testing can provide objective insights to help with this decision.
🔹 Peace of Mind – Instead of guessing or worrying about your child’s readiness, this assessment provides data-driven insights that help you confidently move forward.
What to Expect from the Testing Process
Our early childhood assessment is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate so your child feels comfortable and at ease. The process includes:
1️⃣ Parent Consultation – Understanding concerns, developmental history, and educational goals.
2️⃣ Child Testing Sessions – A combination of interactive tasks, play-based assessments, and standardized measures to evaluate cognitive, academic, and attention-related skills.
3️⃣ Comprehensive Report & Recommendations – A detailed report outlining your child’s strengths, areas for growth, and tailored recommendations for school placement and potential interventions.
4️⃣ Follow-Up Consultation – We meet with parents to discuss results, answer questions, and provide personalized guidance on next steps.
Early Intervention Leads to Future Success
At Heights Family Counseling, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to your child’s education. Early assessments help parents make strategic, informed decisions that set their children up for a positive school experience. Whether your child is ready for kindergarten, would benefit from extra time, or needs additional support, we’re here to help guide you through the process.
If you’re considering early childhood testing and want to learn more about how it can benefit your child, contact Heights Family Counseling today! Let’s work together to give your child the best possible start on their academic journey.