Before T&E or FLI Assessments and Interviews – Tips for the parent/caregiver:
- If your child is a morning person, schedule the test in the morning. If your child needs a couple of hours to be fully alert, schedule testing later in the day.
- Wireless headphones are typically best as children tend to play with wires. Try Puro Wireless Headphones for Kids.
- Test headphones, WiFi, Zoom, or other applications for testing/interviews in the days prior.
- Children should practice wearing the headphones that will be worn for testing/interviews in the weeks prior to assessments while listening to music, spending time with family over Zoom, etc.
- Think carefully about who would be the best person to sit behind/in the room for the T&E/FLI. Consider choosing the parent/caregiver who puts the child at the most ease.
- Consider if it is best to keep your child home from school until after testing/interviews are completed for the day.
- Make sure there is nothing on the desk except the iPad/computer, and if necessary required props. The larger the screen, the easier it is for the child to see the shared information.
- Keep it simple: If a school asks for 8 different colored crayons for the interview, just have 8 crayons (not a box of 64).
- Talk with your child about putting props to the side when they are not in use. A small baking pan works great to store props, so your child can easily push everything aside.
- Only have a water bottle available if necessary.
- Don’t practice anything the morning of the test.
Before T&E or FLI Assessments and Interviews – Tips for the parent/caregiver and child:
- Go for a walk outside or to the playground with your child if there is time before testing/interviews.
- Let your child know how proud you are by sharing a few examples.
- If appropriate, offer a simple reward for after the kindergarten test/interview. Maybe a cookie or an art project you can complete together. Nothing too exciting that will result in your child rushing to complete their meeting.
- For the T&E Assessment, explain that the teacher will tell a story, ask some questions, and it should be a great time!
- It’s important that everyone is calm, but your expectations should be clear – your child is going to meet with a kindergarten teacher and answer some questions. Your child should try hard and have fun!
During and After T&E or FLI Assessments and Interviews – Tips for the parent/caregiver:
- Be busy on your phone, laptop, or reading a book so your child doesn’t feel like you’re hovering. Explain you have work to do and be engaged in that work.
- No talking with your child during the assessment. If your child turns to check on you, smile big and give a thumbs up!
- Testers must stick to a script, which might be difficult for children as they can’t always be reassuring.
- Try not to assume how your child is doing because you will only have access to what your child is saying.
- It may be best if you don’t ask your child about the experience right away – see what is shared over time.
- FLI test results should be emailed to you the same day as the test. You will not receive feedback from the T&E test.
Good Luck!
If you’re looking for guidance in helping your preschooler get ready for kindergarten interviews and assessments, cooperate on Zoom, and improve general kindergarten readiness, please contact Stephanie Sigal, M.A. CCC-SLP, speech and language therapist at sayandplay@yahoo.com. Stephanie works with children in their homes on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and over Zoom.