Tips to Prepare for At-Home Testing
At-home testing in itself helps children feel safe and more relaxed as they are in the most familiar environment to them, their own home. This makes a significant difference on test performance. When a child is relaxed, they can put forth their best. Therefore, more accurate results are obtained. I advise parents to make sure their child is well rested, has a nutritious meal and reassure them that it will be a fun experience. Try to avoid using the word “test” as this may produce unnecessary anxiety in some children. Instead, tell your child someone will be coming over to do some fun activities to find out what their strengths are. A good pre-testing activity to do with your child while the psychologist arrives can be a table game, puzzle or coloring (avoid doing school work before testing).
What to Expect
Upon greeting and introduction, the psychologist will usually begin with some icebreakers and chat with the child to set a friendly atmosphere then jump right into the testing session. After testing, parents can expect some feedback in a brief conversation. You will be emailed the PDF report within 2-3 business days after testing, at that time parents are kindly asked to reach out to schedule a phone call to discuss the report in detail.
Please have the Background Forms and any other documents that were emailed to you printed and filled out on the day of the appointment. Also, keep in mind that payment is due immediately after testing. Accepted forms of payment are: Cash, Zelle, personal checks, Venmo, CashApp or Paypal.
To ensure OPTIMUM performance and score reliability, please make sure the designated testing area meets the following criteria:
1.
Testing area must be a QUIET and clutter free place, such as: dining room table, office, den or kitchen table.
2.
The student should have a nutritious meal or snack BEFORE testing.
3.
Kindly remove pets, turn off television, cell phone ringers and avoid background talking or other distractions that could affect your child’s performance.
4.
Please, NO HELPING during testing. Helping your child during testing in any way affects score reliability and therefore could invalidate test results.
5.
Parents, siblings and other persons should not remain on the same table while the student is being tested to avoid distractions and ensure score reliability.
6.
If testing is arranged at school site please advise school in advance of above testing requirements. Testing may take place at your local library, however parents are responsible for making such arrangements.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Support
“Private testing should not be unaffordable. We want to make it possible for all students to receive equal access to a good education. Schools rarely test for learning impairments, and when they do, it takes several years before any action is taken. Meanwhile, students with undetected LD’s and their parents are left to struggle for years.”
-Michelle Rexach, M.A. Licensed school psychologist & founder of Florida Psychological Testing.