Preschool & Early Childhood Assessments
Investigating Developmental Delays & School Readiness (Ages 2.5 – 6)
At Steps and Stones Psychology in Blackwood, we recognise that the early years are the most critical time for a child’s development.
If you are noticing that your child is missing milestones, struggling to learn new concepts, or having difficulty with daily tasks (like dressing or toileting) compared to other children their age, a Preschool Cognitive Assessment can provide the answers you need.
Investment: $1,450
Includes comprehensive testing, scoring, and a detailed report for NDIS/Schooling purposes.
Why Choose a Preschool Assessment?
This assessment is designed to investigate Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and Intellectual Disability. It provides a roadmap for your child’s future, helping you answer big questions such as:
1. School Readiness & Placement
- “Is my child ready for mainstream school, or would they thrive better in a Special Education unit?”
- Our reports provide the cognitive evidence expected by the Department for Education to support eligibility for special classes or disability support funding at school.
2. NDIS Early Intervention
- “Does my child need NDIS support?”
- To access the NDIS (Early Childhood Approach), you often need proof of “reduced functional capacity.” We use the Vineland-3 to map your child’s adaptive skills against age expectations, providing robust evidence expected to support an NDIS access request.
3. Understanding Behaviour
- Sometimes, “bad behaviour” is actually a child struggling to understand the world. By identifying their cognitive profile, we can tell if frustration is due to a learning delay or emotional regulation issues.
The Tools We Use (Gold Standard)
We use play-based, standardised tools that are recognised by Paediatricians and the NDIS.
- WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence): The gold-standard cognitive test for young children. It assesses verbal comprehension, visual spatial skills, and fluid reasoning.
- Vineland-3 (Adaptive Behaviour Scales): A crucial tool for the NDIS. It measures how your child functions in daily life (communication, socialisation, and daily living skills).
- Conners Early Childhood: To screen for behavioural concerns, ADHD markers, or emotional regulation difficulties.
- Comprehensive Data Collection: We conduct detailed clinical interviews with both parents and educators. We also send standardised questionnaires to both home and kinder to ensure we have a complete picture of your child across different environments.
The Assessment Process
We know that testing a 4-year-old is very different from testing a teenager. Our process is gentle, play-based, and flexible.
Step 1: Parent Intake Session
We meet with you (without your child) to discuss developmental history, pregnancy/birth milestones, and your specific concerns regarding school or NDIS access.
Step 2: Play-Based Testing Session
Your child attends our clinic in Blackwood. We use the WPPSI-IV, which feels like a series of games and puzzles to the child.
Note: We take plenty of breaks and follow your child’s lead to ensure they are comfortable.
Step 3: Holistic Data Collection
We don't just rely on a snapshot in the clinic. We gather comprehensive data from your child's world:
- Parents: Clinical Interview + Questionnaires.
- Educators: Clinical Interview + Questionnaires.
This ensures our report reflects how your child functions in the real world.
Step 4: Comprehensive Report & Feedback
We compile the results into a formal report. We then meet with you to explain the findings in plain English and provide clear recommendations for:
- School enrolment options.
- Therapy needs (Speech/OT).
- NDIS planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The WPPSI-IV is designed specifically for young children. It is interactive, colourful, and engaging. Our psychologists are skilled at building rapport quickly and taking ‘wiggle breaks’ to get the best out of your child.
No. This assessment focuses on Cognitive Development (Intellectual Disability/GDD) and Functional Capacity. However, if we observe social communication differences during the session, we will flag this with you and may recommend a separate [Autism Assessment].
School placement decisions are made by the Department for Education. However, our report provides the mandatory cognitive and adaptive evidence (WPPSI-IV and Vineland-3 scores) that the Department expects to support access eligibility for Special Options placements.
Ready to plan your child’s future?
Book a Preschool Assessment
Gain the clarity you need to advocate for your child’s schooling and support needs. Contact us today to schedule an assessment.