Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Educational Assessments
Is there any preparation required before the assessment?
We recommend ensuring your child is well-rested and has eaten before assessment sessions. You'll also be asked to complete intake forms and share any relevant educational records. We'll provide specific technical requirements to ensure the remote sessions run smoothly.
How quickly can I schedule an assessment?
Assessment appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks of your initial consultation, depending on current schedule availability. We understand the importance of timely support and strive to accommodate families as quickly as possible.
What information should I have ready before booking?
No specific preparation is needed for the initial consultation. If you decide to proceed with an assessment, we'll request basic information about your child, any previous assessments or interventions, and specific concerns you'd like addressed.
Is there a waiting list?
Our services are generally available within a short timeframe. During particularly busy periods, wait times may extend to 3-4 weeks.
Where are you located?
Hemford Assessment provides remote services. All assessments are conducted via secure video platform, eliminating the need for travel and allowing your child to work in a comfortable, familiar environment.
What technology is needed for the remote assessment?
You'll need a computer with a webcam or ipad, stable internet connection, and the ability to join a video session. We'll conduct a brief technology check before the first assessment session to ensure everything works properly.
Do you offer in-person assessments?
At this time, we exclusively offer remote assessments. This approach allows us to serve families throughout Nova Scotia while providing the convenience of home-based sessions. Research demonstrates that remote educational assessments can be as effective as in-person evaluations when conducted properly.
What exactly is an educational assessment?
An educational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that measures academic skills, learning processes, and factors that may impact educational performance. The assessment includes standardized testing in areas such as reading, writing, math, language processing, and phonological awareness, as well as questionnaires about behaviour and executive functioning.
Are you a psychologist?
No, I am not a psychologist. I am an experienced resource teacher with 20+ years of education experience, a B.Ed. and M.Ed., and specialized training in educational assessment. I do not provide clinical diagnoses, I deliver comprehensive educational testing and insights.
Will schools be able to use your report insights?
Schools regularly work with assessment information from various qualified professionals. Our reports use standardized measures and format schools are familiar with, making them readily integrable into your child's educational planning. The assessment provides objective data about your child's learning profile that can inform classroom accommodations and support strategies.
How is a remote assessment conducted?
All assessments are conducted via secure video platform. Prior to testing, you'll receive any necessary materials by secure digital delivery. During the assessment, your child will need a quiet space with minimal distractions, a device with a camera, and a stable internet connection. Remote assessments have been validated as effective and allow for convenient scheduling without travel time.
What ages do you work with?
Our assessments are designed for school-aged children in grades 2-12. The specific test versions are adjusted based on your child's age and grade level.
What will I receive after the assessment?
You will receive:
A comprehensive written report detailing test results, learning patterns, strengths, and challenges
Specific, actionable recommendations for home and school
A school-friendly summary document you can share with teachers
A thorough explanation of all findings during the results review meeting
Guidance on next steps and implementing recommendations
What if my child has attention difficulties? Will this affect the assessment?
Many children referred for assessment have attention challenges. Our self paced online session format is specifically designed to maximize focus and obtain the most accurate results. We incorporate breaks as needed, and the remote environment often reduces many distractions present in traditional testing settings.
How does your payment plan work?
A 10% deposit is required to book an assessment, and the remainder can be broken down into instalments that work for your family budget.