Psychological, psychoeducational and
​gifted testing

                    Find more detailed information about gifted testing in Sarasota County at
​ www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/gifted-information
IMPORTANT DATES and DEADLINES FOR 2026-2027 Academic Year Gifted Application Process in Sarasota County
TBD for 2026- deadline to request a gifted screening to be done through the school.
TBD for 2026- deadline to inform the school district that a private evaluation is being done. request a gifted screening, evaluation and/or rating scales from your local zone school. This must be done even if you are applying for a program outside of your zone school.
TBD for 2026-  deadline for submission of all required documents for gifted magnet consideration.
Gifted Evaluations:
​Parent and Child Psychological Services strives to provide you with the most accurate representation of your child's intellectual and academic abilities. Testing sessions may last several hours. You are encouraged to bring snacks and remain on site. We will offer your child as many breaks as are needed. After testing is complete you will receive a report and have the opportunity to discuss the results. The report is not shared with anyone else without your permission.
  • ​Each school district sets clear guidelines about gifted eligibility, and makes the final decision about which students to accept into gifted programs. Testing is just one portion of the process for applying to a gifted program.   
  • Our psychologists provide both IQ Testing and Achievement Testing
  • Information about gifted identification procedures in Sarasota County can be found at these links:               ​1) Sarasota County Schools- General Gifted Information, 2) Sarasota County Gifted Magnet Information 3) The Pine View School.

   IQ Testing 
  • This type of evaluation starts by conducting an IQ test, which is an indicator of a client’s cognitive abilities. An IQ score provides information about general cognitive abilities, as well as strengths and weaknesses in the cognitive domain. IQ is one component of assessing Intellectual Giftedness.
  • A comprehensive IQ score is generally required for admittance to any gifted program or classroom. 
   Achievement Testing 
  • Achievement Testing provides information about the student's academic functioning and the grade level on which a client is functioning in certain areas (reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language).
  • Achievement Testing for certain areas of reading and mathematics is required for entrance into gifted magnet programs within Sarasota County.​
​   Gifted Magnet Programs- Sarasota County
  • Gifted magnet programs within Sarasota County require both a comprehensive IQ and Reading and Mathematics Achievement Testing. 
Psychoeducational Evaluations: 
  • This type of evaluation is often used when there are suspected learning problems that need to be further explored. 
  • A personalized battery of assessment measures is created for each child or adolescent based on the referral question(s).
  • A Psychoeducational Evaluation generally involves a minimum of comprehensive IQ testing and achievement testing, and may involve other assessment measures such as processing measures. 
    • ​An IQ score provides information about general cognitive abilities, as well as strengths and weaknesses in the cognitive domain. Achievement Testing  provides information about the student's academic functioning and the grade level on which a client is functioning in certain areas (reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language).
    • Achievement testing assesses where a child is functioning academically in multiple areas (math, reading, writing, oral language)
  • This type of evaluation can be used to help your child receive needed services and accommodations in school including an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. 
  • Information about services for students in Public Schools in Sarasota County can be found at: Exceptional Student Education
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations/Psychological Testing: 
  • This type of evaluation is often used when there are suspected attention, concentration,  behavioral, mood  (e.g. depression), anxiety, or social concerns. 
  • A personalized battery of assessment measures is created for each child or adolescent based on the referral question(s).​
  • A comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation is typically comprised of comprehensive IQ testing, brief or full Achievement Testing, full processing assessment, behavioral rating scales and/or personality assessment.​
    • ​An IQ score provides information about general cognitive abilities, as well as strengths and weaknesses in the cognitive domain. Achievement Testing  provides information about the student's academic functioning and the grade level on which a client is functioning in certain areas (reading writing, mathematics, and oral language).
    • Achievement testing assesses where a child is functioning academically in multiple areas (math, reading, writing, oral language)
    • Rating scales are selected to assess areas that have been highlighted as concerns. Rating scales may be completed by the child, caregivers, teachers and/or others who interact with the child or adolescent being evaluated
  • A diagnosis will be provided and discussed with families upon completion of the evaluation
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