A 5-year-old child born at 28 weeks gestation has mild spastic diplegia. Which evaluation is important before the child is placed in regular kindergarten?

A 5-year-old child born at 28 weeks gestation has mild spastic diplegia. Which evaluation is important before the child is placed in regular kindergarten?

• A. Stanford-Binet IQ test
• B. Carey scale of temperament
• C. CBC with diff
• D. Chromosome studies

Answer: (A)

Assessing cognitive ability is essential for deciding whether a child with prematurity-related neurodevelopmental concerns can participate in regular kindergarten and what supports may be needed. An intelligence test like the Stanford-Binet provides a standardized measure of intellectual functioning, helping to identify learning needs, eligibility for special education, and plan appropriate educational supports. It directly informs school placement decisions more than measures of temperament, routine medical labs, or genetic testing, which do not address whether the child has the cognitive readiness for typical kindergarten.

Assessing cognitive ability is essential for deciding whether a child with prematurity-related neurodevelopmental concerns can participate in regular kindergarten and what supports may be needed. An intelligence test like the Stanford-Binet provides a standardized measure of intellectual functioning, helping to identify learning needs, eligibility for special education, and plan appropriate educational supports. It directly informs school placement decisions more than measures of temperament, routine medical labs, or genetic testing, which do not address whether the child has the cognitive readiness for typical kindergarten.