Early Admission to Kindergarten Testing
Below is information for Early Kindergarten Testing. We are trusting parents to read and understand all of this information before scheduling.
Please read ALL information below regarding the process.
We will collect a $50 deposit to hold the appointment. Click the button to view openings and schedule.
Early Admission to Kindergarten Evaluation: Fee $575 ($50 due when scheduling)
Parents often contact to inquire about requirements to have their child begin Kindergarten early (children must be 5 years old by the stated cut-off date for any public school in North Carolina). Sometimes when there are extraordinary circumstances and a child is identified as intellectually gifted, schools may consider letting a child who has not yet turned 5 by the cut-off begin Kindergarten. The initial requirements are that the child be assessed (Intellectual Testing and Achievement Testing) and must obtain scores in the 98th percentile on BOTH assessments to be considered. Regardless of scores, the school administration makes the decision about early admission. We are available to provide these assessments to pre-school age children and have lots of experience working with this age group. Ideally, testing should occur in the spring or summer prior to the school year the parent is attempting to begin.
Early Admission to Kindergarten assessment includes administration of the WPPSI-IV (IQ test) to obtain a Full Scale IQ score and Woodcock Johnson-IV Reading and Math portions (Achievement test). After testing, a full report is provided usually within 1-2 weeks. The full fee for this testing package is $575.
Testing for school admission purposes is not covered by insurance. These are all inclusive fees, not including a face to face follow up session. If you would like a face-to-face follow up session, the fee is an additional $75. Otherwise, we will send you the report and can answer quick questions via email or phone.
The link to the CMS guidelines for early K is provided below. These guidelines are generally state wide and will work for any NC public school. Please look at your own county guidelines for full application. As the parent, you are responsible for understanding the criteria and testing process. These guidelines are state wide; however, if you are in a different school district or working with a private or charter school, you should consult with them on their criteria and process. It is your responsibility to inform us of specific school criteria and deadlines. The criteria are not really about “readiness” for Kindergarten. The child must score exceptionally high to be considered by their school for early admission. Final decisions, regardless of scores, are always made by the school.
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
Dr. Seuss
FAQs
How long will testing take?
Length of testing depends on the needs of the client. An IQ test alone takes 1-2 hours. For diagnostic testing, 2-4 sessions are required and each session will range from 1-2 hours.
How should I prepare my child for testing?
There is no preparation needed for testing. It is best to tell your child that they are meeting with someone who is similar to a teacher to do some tasks and determine their strengths and weaknesses or “how they learn best.” With young children/ pre-school age, you may wish to tell them that we will be doing some fun activities in which they will be answering some questions, working with blocks and puzzles, and looking at pictures.
Please do not tell your child that the psychologist will be deciding if they are going to Kindergarten or getting into a particular school! That is ultimately not the decision of the psychologist.
What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
The time for your child’s testing session is reserved specifically for them! If you need to cancel or re-schedule, you should do so by calling the psychologist as soon as you become aware of the need. Testing sessions are blocked often in 2 hour blocks and those times cannot be filled when enough notice is not given. Re-scheduling will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Repeated cancellations will result in not being scheduled for testing sessions. No-show clients (those that do not show or call) will not be contacted to re-schedule.
Will my insurance cover testing?
We do not accept insurance reimbursement for psychological testing. In addition, Educational testing (that is not part of a full diagnostic evaluation) and testing for Kindergarten admission or Gifted Admission is NOT covered by insurance, not matter which insurance provider you use. Insurance does not pay for elective educational testing where there is no clinical diagnosis.
What days and times are available for testing?
Availability varies according to client’s needs. Most younger children perform best in the mornings. Emailing is the best way to quickly secure an appointment slot.
How soon will I receive results?
Generally, if testing consists of an IQ test alone, results are provided within 1 week or sooner. For full diagnostic evaluations or psychoeducational evaluations, results are typically provided within 2-3 weeks. If you have a tight deadline, please let the psychologist know when scheduling to ensure testing and results can be completed in that timeframe.
What types of payment can you receive?
Payment can be made by cash, check, debit/credit card, or flex spending card.
Why is testing so expensive?
Psychological testing is a specialized service that requires specific training and expertise. In particular, working with young children providing testing requires experience, additional time, and care. Testing protocols are also expensive. For every hour spent testing face-to-face there are additional hours for the psychologist to score, interpret, and write reports/follow up.
Make an Appointment
info@carolinapsychologycenter.com
704-609-3614
1909 J N Pease Place | Suite 204 Charlotte, NC 28262
