Early Entry into Kindergarten

I contract with the Beaverton School District to provide cognitive assessments for children whose fifth birthday falls between the September 1 cutoff and October 1 and who are attempting to gain early entry into kindergarten.

Process:

  • Contact the Beaverton School District and obtain a form: earlyentrykindergarten@beaverton.k12.or.us.
  • Review the Beaverton School District’s policy
  • PLEASE NOTE:
    • The school district makes all determinations with regard to those children invited to enroll in kindergarten early.
    • There is no guarantee that by completing this type of evaluation your child will be invited to enroll in kindergarten early.
    • Check the school district policy carefully. In the past, the Beaverton School District has required that a child not only be socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten but has also required them to obtain a full scale score at or above the 97th percentile on a measure of intellectual functioning. 
    • Obtaining a score at the 97th percentile is rare. Only 3% of children in this age group score at this level. Moreover, for every 100 children who take the measure, only 3 score at or above the 97th percentile. 
    • The measure of intellectual functioning is meant to be a novel experience. There is no preparation necessary. 
  • Call me at (503) 686-0923 or email me to set up the two-hour appointment to be scheduled in June or July
  • One or both parents can accompany the child to the appointment. In cases where there is a custody arrangement, both parents must agree that the child complete the assessment.
  • We will start the appointment by meeting all together during which the parent or parents will tell me a little bit about their child while the child plays. Then it will be time for the child to complete the assessment. During this time, the parent(s) will wait in the waiting room while the child completes the standardized assessment with me in my office.
  • My office is steps from the waiting room and children are free to take breaks to see their parent(s) whenever they wish. The child will have the chance to take breaks to walk around, draw, or get snacks during the assessment.
  • During the assessment, the child’s parent or parents will be asked to fill out a form about their child while they wait.
  • Once the assessment is complete, I will ask that the parents return to the room to discuss any final questions. Then the appointment will be complete.
  • After the appointment, I will score the testing materials and will write a report summarizing the findings. I will send you and the school district a copy of the report.
  • Parents are welcome to call or email with any questions or concerns.
  • Many parents wonder how to prepare their child for such a meeting. No specific academic preparation is needed. The assessment is meant to be a measure of a child’s response to novel questions or problems. You can discuss the general plan for the meeting (e.g., we’ll all meet together and then you will be doing some school-type activities with Dr. Chelsea). Children will know exactly where parents are at all times and vice versa.

Fees:

Early entry to kindergarten assessments cost $600.

Payment is due at the time of the appointment.

Financial assistance is available for some families who provide documentation. Contact the Beaverton School District at 503.356.4325 for more information.

Forms:

Notice of Privacy Practices MacLane

Informed Consent MacLane

Intake Evaluation Child

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