Involving children in a part of the evaluation process is essential. Whether enthusiastic or reluctant, Dr. Kesselman firmly grounds herself in a “low and slow” approach to connect and build rapport with children, before launching into any evaluation.

It is important for children to know why, in a developmentally appropriate manner, the evaluation is occurring and what the potential goals of the evaluation may be. Children often have an awareness and can articulate what feels hard, what feels easy, what worries them, and what they hope might improve. Their insights help guide to guide goals and recommendations.

During the evaluation, children can expect a range of activities. Some might feel easy and fun, while others more challenging. Dr. Kesselman works to ensure children feel heard, respected and involved in the evaluation.

• Maintain as much of a normal morning routine as possible

• Have a filling breakfast or lunch, depending upon the time of testing

• Bring some snacks, though Dr. Kesselman is known to have a few on hand as well

• Pack a water bottle

If your child has a preferred toy, something that brings them comfort or a favorite downtime activity, they are welcome to bring this as well! This is not mandatory.

You can tell your child that they will be meeting with someone named Leah, who is going to play games and do activities with them. Some of the activities might feel like school, like writing or math, but others may feel more like games or building with blocks. This will help us learn about their strengths (for younger kids, their brains super powers) and what may feel difficult. Dr. Kesselman also keeps a prize box on hand and is always taking recommendations for good toys to fill it!

Typically, an evaluation session can last from 1.5 to 3 hours, but sessions vary by age, presenting concern, and engagement. Some kids benefit from a slower warm-up, while others are ready to dive in. 

Families should plan for about 3-4 sessions per evaluation, though Dr. Kesselman will guide you through the process and keep you informed along the way

Dr. Kesselman is an out of network provider. That means, she does not work directly with insurance companies at this time. If you are looking for reimbursement, it’s recommended that you contact your insurance provider prior to your first meeting to determine if any portion of the evaluation may be covered. Dr. Kesselman is happy to provide you the necessary codes so you can ask.

At your request, Dr. Kesselman will provide you with an invoice for the evaluation.

While every assessment is highly individual, here is a sense of how the process may look:

1. Initial phone call- 20-30 minutes, complimentary

Let’s make sure we are the right fit! I want to learn about your concerns, your child’s strengths, and what you are looking for in an evaluation. In turn, I want to make sure I’m the best person to answer these questions for you.

2. Intake and Interviews

The first step in the assessment is to learn as much about you or your child as possible. This most often involves interviews with family and caregivers, formal questionnaires, and a review of records. This is in depth interview with Dr. Kesselman

3. Review of Records & Interviews

Dr. Kesselman will review any records from daycare, medical providers, and any previous evaluations performed by Early Intervention, CPSE, or private providers. When necessary, she will also ask teachers to fill out specific questionnaires to help her form a more complete picture of your child.

4. Observation

Observing preschool aged children in their naturalistic environment (like daycare, school, or even in the park) provides an important opportunity to see how children relate to their peers, environment and adults. It provides key data on how children manage themselves in their environment outside of the testing paradigm.

These observations allow Dr. Kesselman to “see it like you see it.”

 5. Direct Testing

Looks at cognitive development, pre-academic/academic skills, learning,  language,  problem solving skills, social-emotional, motor/motor planning skills, and adaptive functioning (how your child cares for themselves in an age/developmentally appropriate way).

6.  Feedback

Let’s review what we learned! We will discuss the findings and begin to work through the recommendations together. I advise on referrals when appropriate, specific learning strategies, recommended changes to your children’s learning environment or needs, and how to support your child at home.

6. Written Support.

In addition to verbal feedback, you will receive written feedback from the evaluation.

Through the evaluation process, we will work together to:

1) Clarify why your child is experiencing challenges- whether at home, school, socially, or meeting age expectations

2) Highlight your child’s strengths, learning profile, and growth areas

3) Offer meaningful strategies and recommendations, tailored to your child and family.

4) Provide the necessary documentation to support requests for educational accommodations or modifications in school, if there is impact on their learning.

5) Allow for collaboration among providers, generate meaningful referrals to supports and assess an interventions efficacy

4) Provide you a roadmap with concrete, realistic, supportive, and actionable strategies

Sometimes it can be helpful to share my picture and website with kids so they too can feel involved in the process from the beginning. Please feel free to share this message:

Hi there!

My name is Leah and I am looking forward to getting to you know! Some of what we will do together is play games. Some may feel fun, others might feel challenging. If you feel nervous, that is okay! I feel nervous too at times. I will do my best to listen to you and answer any questions you may have. Here are some fun facts about me:

1) I love to baking and crafts

2) I don’t know how to ride a bike

3) My favorite color is green

See you soon!