What is School Readiness Assessment?

A School Readiness Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a child's development, examining key areas such as cognitive skills, literacy and numeracy skills, as well as adaptive functioning skills. This assessment helps to:  

Ψ Profile the child’s strengths and weaknesses in preparation for transition into formal education. 

Ψ Identify possible learning challenges or special educational needs that might require accommodations or alternative school placements, ensuring the child receives the necessary support. 

In addition to assessing school readiness, this evaluation also provides a detailed overview of a child's abilities and highlights potential areas for growth. The results provide parents with a clear understanding of their child's educational needs, allowing them to make informed decisions about appropriate school placements and the support required. 

What does this assessment involve? 

The assessment uses a range of tools to evaluate a child’s developmental abilities and identify areas where support may be needed. Commonly used tests include: 

1. Cognitive testing:  

This involves either the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V) or the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), depending on the child’s age. These standardised tests assess:  

Ψ Verbal reasoning  

Ψ Visual-spatial skills  

Ψ Fluid reasoning  

Ψ Working memory  

Ψ Processing speed    

2. Academic testing:  

The Weschler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT-IV) is used to assess the child’s literacy and numeracy skills. This can also help diagnose dyslexia or other specific learning disorders. Areas assessed include:  

Ψ Reading  

Ψ Writing  

Ψ Language processing  

Ψ Mathematics  

3. Adaptive functioning testing:  

The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3) is a parent questionnaire that assesses the child’s: 

Ψ Communication skills  

Ψ Daily living skills  

Ψ Socialisation skills  

Ψ Motor skills  

Ψ Any behaviours of concern  

Both cognitive testing (IQ testing such as WISC-V or WPPSI-IV) and adaptive functioning testing (Vineland-3) are mandatory requirements for admission to special needs schools in Singapore.  

Based on the clinician's professional judgement, additional assessments – such as evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – may be recommended if necessary.  

The duration of the assessment varies, depending on the child's current education level, performance during the sessions, and the number of subtests administered.