School Entry Testing and Cognitive Screening for Children in Puget Sound, WA

Whether your child is applying to private school or you want a clearer picture of their cognitive strengths, our fellowship-trained pediatric neuropsychologists provide the testing families need to make informed decisions.

What Is School Entry Testing and Cognitive Screening?

School entry testing is a developmentally appropriate cognitive assessment used for school admissions and placement decisions. Using standardized measures, we assess your child’s reasoning and problem-solving to give schools and families a clear picture of intellectual functioning.

Cognitive screening is a brief evaluation that serves a few purposes. Some families use it to decide whether a more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation makes sense. Others need it to support qualification for services such as DDA. In each case, screening offers a focused snapshot that helps guide next steps.

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When School Entry Testing or Cognitive Screening Can Help

You might consider school entry testing or cognitive screening if:

Your child is applying to a private school that requires cognitive testing for admission
You want to understand your child’s cognitive strengths and how they compare to developmental expectations
You want to determine whether your child would benefit from a more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation
Your child may qualify for community services such as DDA and needs a cognitive assessment as part of the application

If you are not sure whether screening or a more comprehensive evaluation is the right fit, our team can help you decide during an initial phone call.

Not Sure Which Service Your Child Needs?

Many families aren’t sure which service is the best fit – and that’s completely normal. Our team can discuss your child’s specific situation and recommend the right starting point. We’re here to help you figure it out.

How to Get Started

1. Call Us
2. Your First Appointment
3. Begin Care

A member of our team will talk with you about your child’s needs, help identify the right service, and answer any initial questions. No referral needed. Call us at (253) 256-3626 or email admin@childrensbmc.com.

We begin with an intake or consultation to understand your child’s history, gather information, and learn what matters most to you and your child. Bring any school evaluations, IEP/504 plans, past evaluations, or report cards you have – but if you don’t have anything, that’s fine too.

Whether you’re starting an evaluation, therapy, or a skills group, we guide you through each step and keep you updated throughout the process. We’re collaborative from day one – a partner in your child’s journey.

If you’d like details about insurance, fees, what to expect, and frequently asked questions, you can learn more at Get Started.

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How to Start

Frequently Asked Questions

We see children from preschool age through early adolescence. Most are preschool or early elementary age, though some are 11 to 13 when applying to a gifted program or a middle school that requires testing.

Cognitive screening provides a focused snapshot of your child’s intellectual abilities. It is shorter, less expensive, and answers specific questions about cognitive functioning. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation examines cognition, academic skills, attention, memory, emotional functioning, and behavior across multiple sessions. If screening results suggest broader concerns, we can discuss whether a comprehensive evaluation would be a helpful next step.

Cognitive screening can identify whether your child’s intellectual abilities fall in the above-average or gifted range. For highly capable program applications in Washington State, our assessment provides the documentation school districts typically require.

For school admissions screenings, we can typically get the report to your family within the same or next day, depending on our schedule.

Pricing varies reflective of time and complexity. Call us at (253) 256-3626 for a cost estimate based on your child’s needs. We also offer financial assistance for families who need it.

We are not contracted with insurance, but many families still receive reimbursement depending on their plan. In some cases, out-of-network exceptions may allow in-network reimbursement rates. We are happy to provide the information you need to check your coverage and can answer any cost-related questions during your initial call.

Children’s Behavioral Medicine Collaborative
Children’s Behavioral Medicine Collaborative
Children’s Behavioral Medicine Collaborative
Children’s Behavioral Medicine Collaborative

Ready to Support Your Child?

Our team can discuss whether an evaluation is right for your child and answer any questions you have. You do not have to navigate this alone.

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