School Observation

For younger, elementary school–age children, it can be helpful to include a school observation as part of the evaluation process. While testing in a clinical setting provides essential information about a child’s cognitive and emotional functioning, observing the child in their natural school environment can offer important additional insight into how they function day to day.

During a school observation, we can see:

• How the child engages with academic tasks in a real classroom setting
• The child’s ability to follow directions, stay focused, and transition between activities
• Interactions with peers and teachers
• How the child manages during unstructured times, such as recess or lunch
• Responses to classroom expectations and sources of potential stress or distraction

School observations are especially valuable when concerns involve attention regulation, social interaction, behavioral difficulties, or questions about whether a child is appropriately placed or supported within their current educational environment. However, they are not a necessary or mandatory part for any evaluation.