The word testing doesn’t always bring a smile. For many adults, it stirs up memories of filling in bubbles or staring at long exams. Not exactly fun.
So, when parents learn that their young child needs to complete an admissions test before entering school or transferring, it’s natural for the idea to feel a little daunting. Here’s the good news: admissions testing for young children looks nothing like those old memories. In fact, it’s often an enjoyable experience—for kids and for me.
What Testing Really Looks Like
When I meet with a student, it’s just the two of us, one-on-one. I ask questions, show them pictures, or invite them to try simple problem-solving or learning activities. Kids don’t need to “study” and they aren’t told if they’re right or wrong.
All they have to do is try their best while exploring new things. My role is to help them feel comfortable, keep the experience positive, and cheer them on for their effort. The results of this assessment become just one piece of the bigger picture that schools consider in their admissions process.
Admissions teams also look at teacher input, classroom readiness, and a range of other factors. My piece is simply to give children a chance to highlight their developing skills in a supportive setting.
How Parents Can Help
The best preparation? Honestly—almost nothing. Other than a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast, there’s no prep required. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your child will be.
Here are a few extra tips adapted from the CAIS guidelines:
Plan ahead for traffic and timing. Our office is at the corner of E. Tremont and South Blvd, with plenty of parking. Aim for “just on time”—not rushed, not too early.
Keep routines simple. Make sure your child eats well, dresses comfortably, and uses the restroom before the session. If something unusual happened the night before (illness, travel, medication changes), let us know.
Avoid overstimulation. If possible, don’t send your child to preschool or a big activity immediately before the appointment.
Set expectations calmly. Explain matter-of-factly that they’ll be meeting with someone kind of like a teacher, who will ask questions and do some of the kinds of things children learn and do at school.
Balance comfort with focus. Treat the day as a special time but keep the excitement level steady so your child can stay attentive.
Why I Love This Work
What I most value about my practice are the different ways we promote brain health. Working with learners across the lifespan—whether that means untangling complex learning, medical, or social-emotional/behavioral challenges, problem-solving alongside families, or advocating for accommodations—fuels my energy and passion for helping students succeed.
That part of my work is every bit as rewarding as it is invigorating. Equally energizing, in a very different way, is the chance to meet young learners at the very beginning of their academic journey.
There’s a special joy in welcoming them, helping them feel comfortable, and watching their curiosity come alive. Sending them off not just with a smile and a high-five, but also with a genuine sense of accomplishment is a privilege—and one of the many reasons I love what I do.
