Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten Testing
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About the WPPSI
The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is a widely used standardized test designed to measure the intellectual development and functioning of a child.
The WPPSI-IV is an innovative measure of cognitive ability for preschoolers and young children that’s rooted in contemporary theory and research that also places a strong emphasis on child-friendly, developmentally appropriate features.The verbal subtests evaluate the child’s ability to recall and process verbal information using language to express his or her ideas. The performance subtests evaluate non-verbal reasoning, the ability to process visual material and visual-spatial perception. Subtests are built with careful consideration to the cognitive, motor, and language development of young children. Demonstration, sample, and teaching items are used whenever possible to explain and illustrate a task while practice items are used wherever possible to help maintain interest and focus.
The psychologist will administer the test in his or her office with a guardian remaining in the reception area. Results of the test will be mailed approximately two weeks following the appointment. A testing fee of $150 should be paid to the psychologist at the time of the appointment.
We believe that it is a good idea for parents to be open, honest and direct with children about the testing process. We encourage parents to use language that the child can easily understand when describing the process and why it is important for the child to do his or her best.
The following general information about the testing process may be helpful:
- The tester will begin the session by getting acquainted with your child and setting a warm and welcoming tone. Explain to your child that he/she is going to be playing games, answering questions, and participating in activities with someone who knows about the school. Often, children believe they are going into an office similar to their physician’s, where they may receive a shot. It is important to reassure your child that nothing like that will happen during the evaluation.
- Generally, the testing session will last between 45 minutes and one hour.
- Since your child will be entering kindergarten, it is important that he/she be able to separate from parents and spend time with other adults. For this reason, you are invited to remain in the waiting area while your child is being tested.
- Children will perform their best if they are well rested, fed, and have recently used the restroom.
- If your child is ill or has a fever on the day of the test, please call the psychologist and reschedule! The test may be given only once every six months, and there are many test times available to allow for inevitable illnesses.
- Your child’s test is scored according to his or her age on the day of the appointment. Therefore, there is no advantage to scheduling appointments closer to the end of the testing season.
- When the testing session is completed, the tester will not discuss the results with you immediately. A complete report will be mailed to you by the psychologist. If you desire more detailed feedback, an appointment may be scheduled with the psychologist after the common reply date.
About the Psychologists
- R. Sheree Bodiford, Ph.D.
(334) 557-1080
7125 University Court- Dr. Bodiford is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who received her Ph.D. in Combined-Integrated Clinical and Counseling Psychology from the University of South Alabama in 2014. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Lawrence Hall Youth Services in Chicago, Illinois. She completed subsequent intensive training in Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders at Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, Montgomery Clinic. Dr. Bodiford serves as Lead Clinical Psychologist, Director of Psychological Assessment and Treatment Clinic, and Training Director of the Clinical Psychology Training Consortium at Alabama Psychiatry.
- Dr. Bodiford is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who received her Ph.D. in Combined-Integrated Clinical and Counseling Psychology from the University of South Alabama in 2014. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Lawrence Hall Youth Services in Chicago, Illinois. She completed subsequent intensive training in Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders at Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, Montgomery Clinic. Dr. Bodiford serves as Lead Clinical Psychologist, Director of Psychological Assessment and Treatment Clinic, and Training Director of the Clinical Psychology Training Consortium at Alabama Psychiatry.
- JoAnne Ray, Ph.D.
(334) 239-7139
8650 Minnie Brown Road, Suite 14- Dr. Ray received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Memphis. She completed her residency in Clinical Psychology at the Medical College of Georgia/VA Consortium in 1995. From 1995 to 1999, she was a staff psychologist with the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. In 1999, she left that position to start her private practice.
- Dr. Ray received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Memphis. She completed her residency in Clinical Psychology at the Medical College of Georgia/VA Consortium in 1995. From 1995 to 1999, she was a staff psychologist with the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. In 1999, she left that position to start her private practice.
- Pam Snider, Ph.D.
(334) 356-8430
4754 Woodmere Blvd- Dr. Snider received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University and has been a licensed psychologist in private practice since 1993. She completed her residency in Clinical Psychology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, IL.