Gulfshore Behavioral Health develops relationships with local private childcare facilities and schools where our psychologists perform reduced rate on-site evaluation services for young children (ages 3-7).
We use evidence-based developmental assessments to measure a child’s school readiness skills in terms of their comprehension of concept knowledge, which is a powerful predictor of language development, cognitive functioning, and school readiness. Scores provided show how the child performed in comparison to other children of the same age and gender.
What areas are assessed? Knowledge of colors, letters, numbers/counting, sizes/comparisons, shapes, self/social awareness, direction/position, texture/material, quantity, and time/sequence, which align to states’ current early childhood educational curriculum standards.
Why does GSBH complete these at a reduced rate for schools? Research shows that early intervention is critical so the sooner we can identify a child in need, the better. Our goal is to help identify struggling students who may need additional support or other formal intervention. We are also able to identify advanced students for gifted and talented programs.
What is the process? For ease, we visit a child’s school and perform the assessment during the normal school day – no need to travel to our office! We use an iPad-based testing system with artwork that was reviewed for content and cultural bias and is inclusive, developmentally appropriate, colorful, and engaging. The assessment takes approximately 20-30 minutes per child. Results are typically available and distributed to parents within days of the testing.
Who administers the assessment? Our clinical and school psychologists are licensed through the Florida Department of Health and/or Florida Department of Education and specialize in working with the pediatric population. We are also approved vendors of both the Lee and Collier County School Districts, able to conduct Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE).
If you are a parent of a child who has recently had a developmental screening completed by one of our psychologists and would like to discuss the results further, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
If you are a childcare facility or school looking to partner with us to offer this service to your families, please contact us to discuss availability/openings.