Why Early Academic Testing and Executive Functioning Screenings Matter

As parents and educators, we all want to help children thrive—but sometimes it’s hard to know

exactly what kind of support a child needs, especially in the early years. By assessing a child’s

skills in reading, math, writing, and executive functioning, we can gain valuable insight into how

they learn, where they’re excelling, and where they might need extra support.

Reading, math, and writing are the foundation for all future learning. Reading isn’t just about

sounding out words—it’s about understanding context, building vocabulary, and connecting

ideas. Math skills go beyond memorizing facts; they include number sense, logical reasoning,

and problem-solving. Writing is equally essential. Strong writing helps children communicate

their ideas clearly, stay organized in their thinking, and succeed across all subject areas.

But academics are only one part of the puzzle. Increasingly, research shows that executive

functioning skills—things like time management, organization, task initiation, attention, and emotional regulation—play a major role in a child’s ability to succeed in school. Many children struggle, not because they don’t understand the material, but because they have difficulty planning, staying on task, or managing frustration.

That’s why, in addition to academic assessments, I also offer screenings for executive functioning. These screenings can help identify underlying difficulties.

The earlier we identify challenges, the easier it is to address them. Early intervention can

prevent small gaps from becoming larger barriers. It also gives children the confidence and tools

they need to grow—academically, emotionally, and socially. Whether a child needs targeted

skill-building, tutoring, intervention, or classroom accommodations, knowing what they need is

the first step in providing it.

My goal is to provide families with the clarity and direction they need to help their child thrive,

both in school and beyond. Summer is a great time for academic testing and executive

functioning screenings, so that we can better understand each child’s unique learning profile

and make informed decisions together.