Evaluation for Early Entrance to Kindergarten

Most school districts will consider a child for early entrance to kindergarten with an IQ test completed by a duly qualified professional. I use the Stanford-Binet 5 Intelligence Scales because it is untimed, has 10 subtests relevant to school performance, and is designed for individuals aged two through 85 years. Other available intellectual assessments, such as the Wechsler Scales,  require selecting between an early childhood form and a childhood form, which often means that the bright preschool-aged child will “hit the ceiling” on the preschool form and need further assessment later, leading to unnecessary additional expense. The Wechsler Scales also have timed performance sections where the child earns more points for speed. I find that some children lose many points on such a test if this makes them nervous or if they haven’t completely understood the directions right away.

The test report includes the professional’s opinion of the child’s readiness for early entrance. Although many schools require a “cutoff score” at the 98th percentile, my reports include enough important information to enable parents and schools to make a good choice as to the appropriateness and advisability of early entrance even when the score is lower. Some school districts require additional documentation of early entrance readiness, an individual achievement test and a maturity scale. I use the following:

Unless a school system specifically requires an achievement test and maturity scale, however, I have found that my own Developmental Milestones intake form covers both of these requirements without the extra cost of additional instrumentation. I charge an all-inclusive flat fee for either package , and you may call or inquire by email as to the charges. All payments are due at the time of each service by cash, check or credit card (VISA or MasterCard).

Once a date is set for the evaluation, I email a confirmation letter to the parents and attach the intake form, Developmental Milestones, for completion at home. This letter also includes the map and directions to Dr. Ruf’s home office, how to tell your child why you are coming to see Dr. Ruf, and what else to bring that day. The actual assessment takes place on a weekday morning at 9:30 and requires approximately 1.5 hours for a four or five year-old child. I write the detailed explanatory report within 48 hours and mail it directly to your home.

It is highly recommend that parents come for a separate follow-up consultation that will give them further explanations about the test results, what schools are like, and how to plan in general for the school years ahead. This is my “Crash Course on Levels and Profiles of Intelligence” and carries a separate hourly consultation fee. Lasting between 1.5 and 2.0 hours, these consultations are scheduled any time during a weekday afternoon that works for the parents’ schedule, both parents must attend, and parents are provided with background information, numerous articles and handouts relevant to their situation (between 35 and 50, depending upon the assessment results and the child’s individual profile), and time to ask their own particular questions.

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