Janet Black has been working with VAPG since 1998 as the Developmental Specialist for children birth to age 6-8 years. Her background includes a Bachelor’s Degree from UMW in Special Needs Instruction. She holds a Master’s Degree earned at GMU and Virginia State teacher licensure in Early Childhood Special Education Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in educational and developmental assessments. Added endorsements on her license include Early Childhood Special Education Birth – age 8, General Education K-3rd grade, Learning Disabilities K- grade 12, English as a Second Language, and Educational Administration. In 2007 she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is the Director of Educational Services for a small private school serving children with autism and other developmental disabilities and takes appointments at VAPG on Saturdays.

About Developmental Assessments

A developmental assessment can be done at any age for reasons of concern or curiosity. Assessments are tailored to the needs of the child and areas of concern. Areas of evaluation included in most assessments are gross and fine motor, speech and language, cognition and understanding, social/emotional development, and behavior. Initial assessments include an intake by phone followed by an office visit with child and parents which is scheduled for 1-2 hours and includes a follow-up appointment for an hour to go over findings and outcomes of the assessment.
Developmental assessments can be completed at regular intervals starting from birth (or any age) or as a one-time assessment. Critical times for assessment include age 10 months, 2 years, Preschool age, and Kindergarten/Elementary school Readiness. Other discussions related to assessments can include various topics related to child development including but not limited to general development, meeting milestones, primary windows of development, scaffolding learning, toilet training, kindergarten readiness, school achievement, and topics related to special education.

Fees and Insurance Information

Janet Black’s services are considered educational, not medical, and many insurance companies may only cover partial payment. Fees are based on age and level of intricacy in assessment. Fees for services are collected at the time of the visit unless other arrangements are made in advance. Please call Janet Black for further information and estimates.

Special Notes

Get paid to allow your child to be assessed! Recently, Janet Black has become part of the Pearson Assessment Examiner family. Projects include re-norming a variety of developmental tests. Please email Janet Black at cdasvapg@hotmail.com if you are interested in seeing if your child qualifies for compensation to offset the cost of an assessment or even a free assessment. Preschool language is the current focus.