What are Educational Psychologists?
An educational psychologist is concerned with helping children or young people who are experiencing problems within an educational setting with the aim of enhancing their learning. These may include learning difficulties and social or emotional problems. They work directly with young people as individuals or in groups and also advise teachers, parents, social workers and other professionals who are involved.
Their work with individual children often involves an assessment of the child using observation, interviews and test materials. Educational psychologists may then offer a wide range of appropriate interventions such as learning programmes and collaborative work with teachers. Educational psychologists also provide in-service training for teachers and other professionals on issues such as supporting students who have challenges in behaviour and learning.
Some of the work currently undertaken by Psychology for Children includes:
- Assessment to support schools in developing programmes to meet individual needs (e.g. Specific Learning Disability, including Dyslexia, Intellectual Ability, etc)
- Assessment of eligibility to access Disability Services (e.g. Taikura Trust)
- Assessment of need for Special Examination Conditions (i.e. ‘Reader Writer” Assessments) for both Cambridge and NCEA examinations
- Support for schools and families in completing ORRS applications
- Professional Supervision for other psychologists and for RTLB
- RTLB appraisal
- Behavioural intervention plans
- Provision of Professional Development for teachers and dental specialists
- General consultation on aspects of education and learning
Assessments - What does an assessment cover?
Typically, educational psychologists work with children and young people between the ages of 0 – 16 years of age (or up to 21 if the student is still involved in education). The child is usually assessed at school, or in another familiar environment.
An assessment may involve:
- Discussing the referred child with their parents, teachers and others who know them well
- Observing the child in their classroom or playground
- Reviewing the work they have been doing in class
- Speaking to the child
- Formal testing to check on the child's skills and/or intellectual development, as negotiated
Following discussion of the issues over the phone or by e-mail (and confirmation of a written quote) an appointment is arranged. Assessments typically involve a full cognitive assessment of the child using the latest assessment materials (e.g. WISC-IV, WPPSI III), which will provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses.
At Psychology for Children students are often also assessed for their literacy and numeracy levels using WIAT-II resources and additional assessment tools as required and/or negotiated. Further assessment of skills such as functional skills, memory, writing speed and phonological processing may be undertaken, depending on the needs of the student.
The materials utilised are generally attractive and ‘child friendly’ and the majority of children seem to enjoy the assessment which can take 1 ½ - 2 hours, including discussion of the results. Feedback is given to the parent, teacher and/or child (as appropriate) and the advice and recommendations are written in a formal report which is usually available within a week.
What is the cost?
At Psychology for Children we prefer to discuss the needs and then offer a definite quotation, as the cost can vary depending upon the type of input required. However, by way of guidance, a typical assessment and report costs $585(incl. GST).
How long do I have to wait?
This varies but Psychology for Children is often able to offer an appointment within a month.
Where are the assessments conducted?
The geographical area covered by Psychology for Children is Greater Auckland.
