School Readiness

If a child is forced into school when they are not prepared; cognitively, emotionally or developmentally, then it may result in the following:
- Boredom which results in being disruptive in class
- Resistance to learning and inability to concentrate
- Low self esteem because classmates are ‘getting it’
- Struggle with following instructions and need persuasion to complete and start tasks
- Homework is battle

Children like these usually end up repeating a grade or end up struggling through each grade. Ideally a child should be entered into primary school when a firm foundation has been established.
We at Cognistance, provide in depth psychometric assessment that test the abilities of a child to determine whether they have the necessary skills to progress in the school environment.

The assessment evaluates the following:
- Verbal ability: How the child understands language, their vocabulary, how well they speak, influences of home and education environment and memory recall.
- Non verbal: How the child reasons with problems, ability to work in a formal situation and how the child deals with environmental stimuli.
- Biographical information: What effect has the child’s family environment and upbringing had on its developmental milestones.
- Behavioural Observations: Will the child be able to sit in a formal environment with classmates away from guardians / family, be able to follow instructions, communicate effectively and be comfortable.
- Muscle development: Does the child have the motor skills to be able to hold a pencil, walk in a straight line, hand eye co-ordination. Ability to write and read by crossing the midline.
- Emotional Development: How does the child feel about itself? Can they adapt and cope in new situations. Can they handle frustrations and failure? How do they perceive authority? Can they manage separation?
- Social development: Determine how the child interacts with others in play as well as work

After the assessment is complete, we schedule a feedback session (usually a week later) at which we present a comprehensive written report detailing the results and conclusions drawn.