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The Assessment Process

From the moment they're born, our kids send us signals about whether reading may be for them – in the way they speak, the way they listen, the way they respond to us. It's our job as parents to watch for warning signs from when a child is small all the way through elementary school.

Not all children learn to read at the same time, of course. But there are certain milestones that can give you an idea of how well your child is doing compared to others his or her age. If you suspect a problem, you'll want to talk to your child's teacher and consider having your child tested for hearing problems, learning disabilities, or any number of things that might be affecting his or her abilities.

You can request that a public school assess your child (if they do so, there is no charge). Or you can pay a licensed professional in private practice to do so (more information about this is in the Finding Help section).

The assessment process can be overwhelming and confusing. The articles below will help you arm yourself with good information so you know what to expect when your child is getting tested or screened.

The Assessment Process

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