Assessment Services at Step Stone
Pre-School Readiness Screener
Starting school is a big step, and every child develops at their own pace. A preschool readiness screener helps parents and educators understand a child’s strengths and areas that may need extra support before entering kindergarten. The goal is not to “pass or fail,” but to provide a snapshot of development to ensure a smoother, more confident transition to school.
By doing this screener, you can rest assured your child will start school confident, capable, and supported.
What’s Included?
Developmental Interview
What it is: A conversation with caregivers about the child’s early development, health, behavior, and experiences in childcare or preschool.
Why we do it: To understand the child’s background, routines, and any concerns before formal testing.
What to expect: A brief session where parents share observations about language, play, social interactions, and milestones.
Early Cognitive & Learning Measures
What it is: Play-based tasks that look at attention, problem-solving, memory, early number sense, and pre-literacy skills (letters, sounds, story comprehension).
Why we do it: To identify early strengths in learning and spot potential areas where extra support may be helpful.
What to expect: Fun, engaging activities designed for young children—such as puzzles, picture naming, and simple matching games.
Language & Communication Measures
What it is: Structured tasks and observations that assess vocabulary, sentence use, and understanding of directions.
Why we do it: To see how the child communicates and understands language, both important for classroom readiness.
What to expect: Activities like describing pictures, following simple instructions, and chatting with the assessor.
Social-Emotional & Behavior Screening
What it is: Questionnaires and observations that look at how the child manages emotions, interacts with peers, and follows routines.
Why we do it: To understand social readiness, emotional regulation, and adaptability in group settings.
What to expect: Parent questionnaires and playful interaction with the assessor to see how the child engages.
Motor Skills Screening
What it is: Screening of fine-motor (e.g., drawing, using crayons, cutting) and gross-motor skills (e.g., balance, coordination).
Why we do it: To check physical readiness for classroom activities like writing, play, and physical education.
What to expect: Simple, fun movement tasks and drawing activities appropriate for preschoolers.
Feedback & Report
What it is: A short report plus a meeting with caregivers to review results and recommendations.
Why we do it: To provide clear, practical guidance about school readiness and early supports if needed.
What to expect:
Report: Outlines the child’s strengths and areas to support.
Feedback session: A conversation with the assessor to explain results in everyday language.
Recommendations: Suggestions for home activities, preschool strategies, or referrals if additional support is needed.