Parents get answers from Washburn Center for Children and a new Comprehensive Kindergarten Readiness Testing
MINNEAPOLIS, July 25, 2024 – Washburn Center for Children announces its child psychologists now publicly offer comprehensive Kindergarten Readiness Testing.
Kindergarten is a milestone for children and caregivers, and a big step moving into a formal school setting. So, understanding a child’s readiness for this transition can be crucial to lifelong success.
Designed to provide parents with valuable insights into their child’s preparedness for school, this new testing program marks another innovative service from Washburn Center, now in its 141th year of supporting Twin Cities families.
“Everyone parent hopes to send their little one confidently into that first step of school,” says Rachael Krahn, PsyD, clinical testing director. “Children often find it difficult to express what they are experiencing. That makes it a challenge for adults to understand where they are developmentally. Our tests reveal these hidden factors, providing parents with actionable insights to support their child’s development.”
Washburn Center’s new testing packages, designed for young children, address key developmental milestones and focus on the cognitive and social-emotional skills essential for a smooth transition into kindergarten.
“These are tests that aren’t paid for by insurance, schools or early childhood services so families may not get the information until school gets hard for their child,” Krahn notes.
Starting kindergarten on the right foot can make a significant difference in a child’s educational journey. The transition into Kindergarten introduces a structured classroom environment, following instructions, and interacting positively with peers and teachers, which are new experiences for some children.
“Parents don’t have to wait until things get hard; testing can help them discover and plan for a better transition to kindergarten,” Krahn says. “Early intervention is key for future success. Children who enter elementary school ready to learn are more likely to feel engaged and motivated, setting the course for their educational journey.”
The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment includes a clinical interview and developmental history, a standardized behavioral questionnaire completed by caregivers and teachers (if available), and data obtained through a comprehensive cognitive assessment with the child. This thorough approach ensures a detailed understanding of a child’s cognitive and learning strengths, social and emotional skills, and overall developmental progress. The total cost of the package is $1,150.
For a full listing of current testing packages, caregivers and providers can visit washburn.org/testing. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (612) 400-6395.
About Washburn Center for Children
Washburn Center for Children is a leader in child-centered care, providing the most comprehensive range of outpatient children’s mental health services in Minnesota. With one of the largest teams of children’s mental health therapists, our community-based model is supported by the families we serve and has a lasting impact on family networks, neighborhoods, schools, and communities. We are also dedicated to training mental health professionals in trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Visit www.washburn.org for more information.
The testing service launches at an important time, allowing families to get on the fast-track to answers about their child amid soaring waitlists industry wide. Between January 1 and March 1, 2024, Washburn Center’s waitlist for mental health services has increased by 30%, reflecting the growing demand for support.
Contact:
Julie Carver | Director of Communications | She/her/hers
Julie.carver@washburn.org | 612-597-0934