The Evaluation Process: What it is and How to Navigate it

Psychoeducational evaluations are valuable tools used to help identify specific learning, social, behavioral, and emotional challenges an individual may be experiencing. Once identified, these challenges can be targeted with interventions that support a child’s progress in and outside the classroom. 

If your child is experiencing difficulty in school, an evaluation can help clarify why they are struggling and what supports they may benefit from the most. Evaluations provide valuable insight into a child’s learning style and can better equip parents and teachers to meet the unique needs of the child, so they can enjoy school and remain engaged with the process of learning. 

Read on to find out how the evaluation process works, if your child is showing signs of needing an evaluation, and what types of questions to ask throughout the process.

3 Year Old Boy Playing wooden blocks

Importance of Early Evaluations

If you are concerned your child is struggling in school, the sooner you can get them help, the better. Accurately clarifying their challenges early on can access supports to alleviate their stress at school, support their development, and avoid negative impacts on their self-esteem. Challenges left undiagnosed can lead to years of struggle and difficulties at school and at home. 

Evaluations can be initiated as early as pre-school, though formal diagnoses may occur later, depending on the areas of challenge. Parents often seek an evaluation once they notice their child struggling with concerning issues or symptoms at home and at school. [1] The sooner an evaluation is conducted, the sooner a child can receive effective support and intervention and experience less distress and greater success in the classroom. 

Signs That an Evaluation Might be Needed

Both parents and a child’s school may observe signs that an educational or psychoeducational evaluation is needed. A parent may notice their child struggling with homework or the completion of various tasks at home. They may be concerned that their behavior or development are not age appropriate. Likewise, teachers may observe signs of disruptive behavior or specific learning disabilities that are impeding the student’s progress in the classroom. [2]

Specific signs your child could benefit from an evaluation include:

  • Performing below grade level in reading, writing, or math
  • Not improving despite receiving extra help, such as tutoring
  • Difficulty sustaining attention in class, sports, and other daily activities 
  • Memory or processing challenges
  • A loss of previously learned skills
  • Delays in speech or language
  • Sensory sensitivities 
  • Mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression 
  • Social challenges
Stressed Young Girl Doing Homework at Home

Questions to Ask During the Evaluation Process

The evaluation process is a long process that is new to most parents attempting to navigate it. Don’t be shy to ask questions along the way to ensure you are following the process and the benefits it could be offering your child. 

Questions to consider asking during the evaluation process include: [3]

  • Who conducts the evaluation? Various professionals can conduct learning evaluations, such as learning specialists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. The people conducting your child’s evaluation will depend upon your child’s needs and what the suspected disabilities are.

  • How long will an evaluation take? Thorough evaluations take many hours to complete. Shorter evaluations may take just two to three hours, while more comprehensive evaluations, often conducted when multiple disabilities or challenges are suspected, can take eight to 10 hours. Longer evaluations are broken up into multiple testing sessions.

  • What is my child being tested for? Each evaluation is designed to assess the suspected disabilities of the child, such as a specific learning disorder in reading, writing, or math. If mental health concerns are present, psychologists can assess for conditions such as anxiety and depression.

  • Are the tests stressful or fun? While some tests are more challenging than others, they are designed with children in mind. Many children approach the tests with a game-like attitude and have fun attempting each task. For tasks that are too difficult, they only last a few minutes before it’s time to move on to the next one.

  • Who pays for the evaluation? School-based evaluations are covered by the school district who pays qualified school-based employees to complete evaluations. A school district may also cover the costs of a private provider in the case of an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), though such evaluations are harder to get approved. If you are seeking a private evaluation for your child, you are responsible for the cost of the evaluation. You may consult with your insurance provider to see if any of the cost may be covered through your healthcare plan.

  • Who will explain the evaluation results to me? During a final feedback session, the testing psychologist will meet with you and your child to review the results of the evaluation and make treatment recommendations, if warranted. They will explain behavioral observations made throughout testing, test results, and any diagnoses that are being made, as well as the rationale behind the diagnoses and how to best move forward with supporting your child. 
special education advocate talking a family

The Role of Advocates in the Evaluation Process

Having advocates by your side during the evaluation process can make a significant difference in the outcome for your child. Close friends, family members, or professional support such as special education advocates or legal representatives can make great advocates. These individuals can help ensure that the evaluation team understands and addresses your child’s needs. They can provide emotional support during stressful times, ask important questions on your behalf, and help you navigate complex decisions such as which services or interventions might be most beneficial. With a strong support system, you can feel more confident advocating for your child’s future and securing the best possible out comes.

Things to Look Out for During Evaluations

The first step to an effective evaluation is to create an evaluation plan, so you want to pay attention that an appropriate plan is being established. Whether you are seeking a private or school-based evaluation, a team of professionals will likely be involved in your child’s assessment. As the parent, you are an essential part of your child’s team and can make sure the evaluation plan is being executed properly. 

During a psychoeducational evaluation, look out for the following: [4]

  • Qualified individuals are assessing your child’s abilities and needs
  • Interviews with people who are familiar with your child, such as their teachers and you as the parent, are being conducted
  • Questionnaires are being completed by people who are familiar with your child’s functioning at school, home, and in the community
  • Classroom observations, if indicated, are being conducted 
  • Any other relevant evaluations, such as speech-language, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, are being conducted
  • Consent has been received for each assessment you wish for your child to undergo 
  • That your child understands the testing process, the goals of the evaluation, and how it may help them access better supports and accommodations so they can have a more successful and enjoyable experience at school 

Post-Evaluation Steps

Following a psychoeducational evaluation, you will likely have multiple recommendations to follow up with to ensure your child receives the identified care they need. Take the testing psychologist’s recommendations and start advocating for your child. If recommendations are made for further evaluations, ask for referrals or begin doing your own research. 

Collaborating with your child’s care providers, teachers, and school is the best way to ensure they are getting the care and support they need. School teams will review the results together and make decisions on your child’s eligibility for special education services, if indicated. Together, specific goals, academic supports, and accommodations may be identified. [4]

parent-teacher meeting
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Logo for a private practice that specializes in evaluations and other therapeutic services, Psychology 360

Apex Social Group & Psychology 360

Apex Social Group was proud to partner with Psychology 360 to bring you this information about the psychoeducational evaluation process. Psychology 360 is a private practice located in San Diego, CA that specializes in assessments and evaluations of children and adults to help clarify diagnoses and identify the best supports and interventions to help individuals live their best and most fulfilling lives. They help clarify diagnosis such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and learning disorders like dyslexia. 

Contact the Psychology 360 Client Coordinator today to learn more about their services!

Phone: 858.877.3601

Email: inquiry@psyc360.com 

Website: https://psyc360.com/

Sources: 

  • Evaluating for Childhood ADHD. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). 
  • Evaluating School-Aged Children for Disability. (April 2022). Center for Parent Information & Resources. 
  • Inside an Evaluation for Learning Disorders. (January 2024). Child Mind Institute. 
  • The School Evaluation Process: What to Expect. Understood.

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