Evaluations – Bornhava

Bornhava provides evaluations in the following areas:

Speech & Language
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Special Education (cognitive)
Psychological (social-emotional)
Combination of the above areas, as needed

Qualifying for Evaluation Services

Before children can receive therapy or attend one of our programs, they must be evaluated. Evaluations are completed by licensed professionals in appropriate disciplines as requested by the county or school district.

Early Intervention (Birth-Three Years)

Bornhava is approved by the New York State Education Department and the Departments of Health in Erie and Niagara Counties to provide Early Intervention evaluations and programs for children ages birth to three years. Evaluations are provided at Bornhava or at a location of the parent’s choice. Eligibility for services is based on criteria set forth by the New York State Early Intervention Program.

Preschool (Three-Five Years)

Bornhava is also approved by the New York State Education Department to provide evaluations for preschool children ages three to five. Evaluations are provided at Bornhava, the child’s home, the child’s early childhood program, or at a location of the parent’s choice. Eligibility, frequency and type of services are determined by the school district (Committee on Preschool Special Education – children 3 to 5 years) at a meeting following the evaluations.

What To Expect

Settings for the evaluations may be Bornhava, the child’s home or daycare/preschool. A variety of techniques will be utilized to assess a child’s developmental status which may include formal test instruments, classroom observations, parent/teacher report, and parent/caregiver interview including concerns and priorities. A play based approach is frequently utilized with observations of the child in their natural environment being an important component of the evaluation. Our evaluation coordinator will call you to schedule evaluations, gather further information about your child and to discuss any concerns you have. Evaluations are completed at no cost to the family. An updated physical will be requested from the child’s pediatrician and included as part of the evaluation.

What is the evaluation process like?

We understand that evaluations can feel daunting for parents. Here, we clarify what to expect during the evaluation process. Our goal is to make this a comfortable journey for you and your child commensurate with your needs.

Once we receive the evaluation consent, our evaluation coordinator will reach out to you to gather some initial information about your child, and to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. After that, you will hear directly from each evaluator to schedule the assessments.

How should I prepare for my child's assessment?

Your involvement is crucial! Please gather and provide any important information about your child’s growth and development. This will help to provide us with a holistic understanding of the child’s needs.

An updated physical will be requested from the child’s pediatrician and included as part of the evaluation.

Is there any cost for an evaluation?

No, there is no cost involved to receive an evaluation from Bornhava. Evaluations are completed at no cost to the family.

How long will the evaluation take?

Typically, each evaluations take approximately one to two hours. The total time required depends on how many evaluations your child is receiving. During this period, we ensure that your child feels safe and encouraged so that they can express themselves freely, allowing us to assess their unique needs.

What happens after the assessment?

After the assessment, our team will provide you with a detailed report of findings. The reports are then shared with your service coordinator (for early intervention) or your school district (for preschool). The committee then makes determinations as to what services your child may or may not qualify for. You have a voice in that decision so it is our aim to support you in making informed decisions.

Will I receive support post-evaluation?

We believe that ongoing support is essential for development. Following the evaluation, our team is committed to helping you navigate resources and programs that best suit your child’s needs for continued growth.