Psychoeducational evaluations can sound intimidating for families, but they are designed to do something very important: help us understand how a child learns. In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, host Tristen speaks with licensed school psychologist Megan Davis about what psychoeducational evaluations really are and how they help uncover the strengths and challenges that shape a child’s learning experience.

Megan explains how these evaluations look at the whole child by examining cognitive skills, academic performance, executive functioning, and social-emotional development. She also walks through what parents and children can expect during the evaluation process, how private evaluations differ from school-based testing, and when it might be the right time to consider an evaluation.

If you have ever wondered whether your child might benefit from an evaluation or felt unsure about what the process involves, this conversation helps remove the mystery. Megan reframes evaluations as a tool for understanding and advocacy, giving families a clearer path forward to help their child thrive.

🔎 What a psychoeducational evaluation is and the questions it helps answer about a child’s learning

🧠 The different components of an evaluation, including cognitive, academic, executive functioning, and social-emotional assessments

👪 What parents and children can expect during the evaluation process from intake to feedback

📊 Signs that it may be time to consider an evaluation for your child

🏫 How private psychoeducational evaluations differ from school-based evaluations

📚 How evaluation results can help families advocate for support at school, in therapy, and at home

💡 Why diagnoses are not about labeling children but about creating clarity and access to the right supports

Megan Davis, Licensed School Psychologist, is the co-owner of Counseling and Assessment Practice of Fairfax (CAP Fairfax). She has over 20 years of experience in school psychology, including 15 years working in public schools before transitioning into private practice. Megan specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations that help families better understand how their children learn and what supports will help them succeed.

In addition to her clinical work, Megan supervises graduate students at George Mason University, helping train the next generation of school psychologists. Her work focuses on providing clear, practical insights that help families navigate complex educational and developmental systems while supporting each child’s unique strengths.

Counseling and Assessment Practice of Fairfax

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More Than Words is brought to you by The Reading & Language Learning Center, where we believe in treating the whole child.

Website: https://www.readingllcenter.com

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