Center Assessments are for students who have highly complex behavioral and/or learning profiles, and for whom there may be diagnostic challenges that cannot be addressed through local resources. The assessment is conducted at the Diagnostic Center and employs a transdisciplinary team to assist the school in answering educationally-related diagnostic questions. The assessment typically requires two to four days to complete, and when appropriate, may include an observation of the student at the school site.
A parent/guardian is required to accompany the student for the entire assessment.
Both parents and/or caregivers are encouraged to come, but we ask that siblings stay at home. Lodging and meals (breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner) are provided for families who live 50 miles or more away. Lodging is provided at the Fairfield Inn and Suites located in Rosemead, California (hotel information). Families who live closer than 50 miles commute daily and are provided snack and lunch [sample lunch menu(PDF)]. During the course of the assessment, parents observe through one-way mirrors. Parent involvement is an integral part of our assessment process. Often, parents are asked to participate in parts of the assessment.
Six weeks after the assessment, a parent/staff conference is held at the Center to share the assessment results and recommendations. Parents and school staff are encouraged to invite all interested parties to attend. A comprehensive written report is distributed at the conference. This report includes assessment findings and responses to the referral questions. Detailed recommendations for educational programming are almost always provided.
What to Expect During a Center Assessment
The Diagnostic Center, Southern California
You are going to the Diagnostic Center. At the Diagnostic Center, a group of people called an assessment team will do activities with you to learn about what you are good at and what you might need help with.
Members of the Diagnostic Center, Southern California Assessment Team
It is a new place, and you may feel nervous. It makes sense to feel nervous when you go to a new place. Everyone at the Center is kind and loves to work with students. They will all try their best to make you feel comfortable.
Our Family Services Coordinator, Waiting at the Front Entrance to Greet Families
When you arrive at the Diagnostic Center, Magda, our Family Services Coordinator, will meet you in the reception area. She will help you and your family get settled into the family dining room.
Assessor and Student Engaging in Play-based Activities During the Assessment
After you have put your stuff down in the family dining room, you will go to your first session with a member of your assessment team. They will start the day with fun or easy activities, then they will do activities to get information about what you already know and what you are still learning.
School Psychologist Assessing a Student
You will do some work and some fun activities. You might feel frustrated during some of the activities. You can say when things are hard and ask for help. You can earn prizes for working hard during sessions.
Doctor Meeting with a Student
Some students work with a doctor. Don't worry - the doctor does NOT give shots!
Education Specialist Assessing a Student
When the first assessment team member is done, another member of the assessment team will come in for your second session. Your second session will include different kinds of activities, just like the first session.
Student Playing Outside on the Playground During Snack Break
After the second session, you will go back to the family room for a break with your family and a snack. You can relax, play games, or go out to our playground.
Play-based Assessment with the Clinical Psychologist
When your snack break is over, your third session with another assessment team member will begin. You will go back to the assessment room.
Student and Family Having Lunch in the Family Dining Room
After your third session, you will go back to the family room for lunch. We will have lunch for you, or your family can go get food outside of the Center at places like McDonald's or Burger King.
Speech-Language Pathologist Assessing a Student
Next, it will be time to go back to the assessment room for your last session of the day with another team member. You will do some more work and some fun activities.
Assessment Team Saying Goodbye to a Student at the End of the Day
Finally, it is time to leave the Center for the day. You may go home or back to your hotel if you live far away. You will rest and have fun with your family, and then come back to the Center to work with your team again tomorrow. After the last day of your assessment, you will go home.
What students had to say about their visit to the Diagnostic Center:
My Week at the Diagnostic Center
"The Diagnostic Center is a place to help you. They'll test you on certain stuff. Some stuff is cool and the teachers are very polite and nice. You don't have to worry (Call me to see how your first day was)."
The Cool Stuff
"You get cool prizes, play cool games, get to ask questions if someone reads to you, you figure out the mystery. I'll tell you all the details."
The Teachers
"The Diagnostic Center specialists like working with kids. They will ask many questions, and have you do many activities. They are learning about how you learn.
No answer is wrong, everything you say and do simply helps them learn about you. If you get tired during your session, the specialist will give you a break. They will make your session as fun for you as possible!
