Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Get Started? Questions:
What is the process for starting Academic Intervention (AI) services at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
Why are all of these steps necessary before Academic Intervention can start?
What is the first step in receiving services at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
If we fill out the Client (or Parent) Questionnaire, why does the intake interview take 60 to 90 minutes? Why is it so important?
What happens at the intake interview and why is there a charge?
Can I go ahead and schedule the Evaluation while we are scheduling the Intake Interview?
What is an “Evaluation?”
What is the process for testing in the Wood River Valley?
Why is a psychologist involved in testing for educational needs?
What happens at the Feedback appointment?
Does Lee Pesky Learning Center provide tutoring?
How often and for how long do we meet for Academic Intervention (AI)?
How many sessions are there of Academic Intervention (AI)?
How will I know my child is making progress?
How quickly can we start Academic Intervention (AI)?
I need new/updated testing for accommodations in college. How quickly can I get that done?
How Much Do Services Cost? Questions:
How much does testing cost?
How much does Academic Intervention (AI) cost?
Does Lee Pesky Learning Center offer Financial Assistance?
Why do services cost what they do at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
What is the Academic Intervention (AI) Plan?
Does insurance cover any of the costs at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
Specific Testing/Service Questions:
Do you diagnose dyslexia?
Do you do IQ testing?
Do you offer ACT/SAT prep classes?
Do you have services for adults?
Logistical Questions:
Do you have centers in other locations?
Are your forms available online?
What are your hours?
Can you get the school to do an IEP?
Do you recommend medication for kids with ADD?
How are you different from other tutoring agencies or individuals?
How is your testing different from the school’s testing?
Who is Lee Pesky?
How Do I Get Started? Questions
What is the process for starting Academic Intervention (AI) services at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
There is a series of steps before intervention can be started. These often include an Intake Interview, Evaluation, Feedback, Follow-up, and Academic Intervention Planning. Depending on an individual’s needs, some steps might overlap or be skipped altogether.
back to top
Why are all of these steps necessary before Academic Intervention can start?
At Lee Pesky Learning Center, each student receives individual attention, including the selection of testing and intervention programs that best meet the individual’s needs. There is no “one-size-fits-all” test or intervention program. Our highly trained staff designs a plan to fit each individual’s needs. Meeting needs in this way takes more time at the beginning of the process. The result of the time and care in setting up an individual program is an individual who has stronger skills, more confidence, and a better understanding of his or her own learning.
back to top
What is the first step in receiving services at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
When you call the Center (Intake Call), you will be asked a number of questions about you/your child to help us understand your concerns. You will be sent an information packet that will tell you about our services and a Client or Parent Questionnaire for you to complete. Based on what we learn from talking with you over the telephone, we will suggest a plan. A first appointment will be scheduled within a week or two of your call (timing of appointments in the Wood River Valley might vary).
back to top
If we fill out the lengthy Client (or Parent) Questionnaire, why does the initial appointment take 60 to 90 minutes? Why is it so important?
Prior to the first appointment, most clients complete a 2-page information form. If you live in the Wood River Valley or are traveling to the Center from a distance, you might be asked to complete a lengthier questionnaire to help us understand your needs and plan for the evaluation. We will then meet with you face-to-face so that we can understand directly what your concerns are and what you would like to gain from services at Lee Pesky Learning Center. During the first meeting, we will also answer any questions you have about the process and review informed consent and financial paperwork.
back to top
What happens at the first appointment and why is there a charge?
Your first appointment at Lee Pesky Learning Center is an intake interview. You will meet with a member of our highly trained staff who will work with you to identify the best way to address your concerns. Depending on the needs identified during the phone intake, you will meet with a masters-level teacher or social worker or a doctoral-level school or clinical psychologist (Why psychologists?). The outcome of the first meeting could be the recommendation of an evaluation and/or intervention. Recommendations for consultations with other professionals (e.g., physicians, speech/language pathologists, occupation therapists) might also be made.
back to top
Can I go ahead and schedule the evaluation while we are scheduling the Intake Interview?
Typically, it is during the Intake Interview that the determination is made on the extent of testing that is necessary. Depending on what testing is needed, specific staff members will be involved in the evaluation process. Because of this, it is usually better to set up the testing once the Initial Interview is completed.
back to top
What is an “evaluation?”
Evaluations at Lee Pesky Learning Center are tailored to meet the individual’s needs. If recent testing has been done at school or elsewhere in the community, an evaluation could be limited in scope (Why is more testing needed when the school just completed an assessment?). A Full Evaluation at Lee Pesky Learning Center typically involves about 6 hours of face-to-face testing. Center staff members then interpret the findings and compile a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s learning “profile” or unique pattern of strengths and needs. A report from Lee Pesky Learning Center includes an Evaluation Summary, Testing Summary, and Learning Profile and Strategies section. Extensive recommendations are included on how to use the individual’s strengths to help compensate for and improve the areas of need.
back to top
What is the process for testing in the Wood River Valley?
Our testing team travels to the Wood River Valley approximately once per month, although it could be more or less frequently depending on demand. For this reason, it could be several weeks before an appointment is available, and the dates of the appointments will be less flexible than those for testing in the Boise office. Please also note that costs are adjusted upward to accommodate the added expense of travel. A typical evaluation in the Wood River Valley will be completed over the course of two to three visits/months.
back to top
Why is a psychologist involved in testing for educational needs?
Having difficulty with learning impacts different individuals in different ways. Often a difference in how the individual processes information leads to lower than expected academic achievement, which in turn leads to emotional stress or even behavioral problems. At Lee Pesky Learning Center, we believe that understanding the “whole” person is essential to providing effective intervention for learning needs. Clinical and school psychologists are trained to evaluate thinking abilities (attention, memory, language, visual-spatial, and motor skills), academic achievement, and emotional and behavioral adjustment. The comprehensive approach allows targeted intervention strategies to be recommended in each area of need, leading to a greater chance for overall success for the individual.
back to top
What happens at the Feedback appointment?
After testing is completed, the results are interpreted and written up into a comprehensive report. At a feedback meeting, the report is reviewed and the results are explained face-to-face. The focus of the Feedback is to help the student/parents understand the student’s unique Learning Profile.
back to top
Does Lee Pesky Learning Center provide tutoring?
At Lee Pesky Learning Center, we make a distinction between Academic Intervention (AI) and tutoring. AI helps build an individual’s ability to learn by filling in missing skills. Tutoring is helpful to learn a specific content area or pass a particular class. Although there is overlap in the two services, we specialize in helping the individual strengthen basic skills and become stronger learners in all areas.
back to top
How often and for how long do we meet for Academic Intervention (AI)?
Most students come for two hours a week during the regular school year. Sessions are usually one hour long but for older students, one and a half to two hour blocks once weekly may be appropriate. Most AI times are scheduled on Monday & Wednesday, or Tuesday & Thursday. Additionally, AI Calendars tend to follow a typical school year calendar, although students can begin AI mid-term provided there is availability with an Educational Specialist.
back to top
How many sessions are there of Academic Intervention (AI)?
The first AI program is scheduled for 50 hours. At that point, we post-test to measure progress and to make further recommendations. Some students may require additional 30-50 hour programs.
back to top
How will I know my child is making progress?
Lee Pesky Learning Center uses Progress Monitoring to track each student’s growth in skills over time. Information about your child’s progress will be shared with you in weekly Learning Updates. In addition, at the end of the first 50 hours, formal, standardized testing will be repeated for another measure of progress.
back to top
How quickly can we start Academic Intervention (AI)?
Several factors impact how quickly AI can start, including available slots with Educational Specialists, the time required to develop the AI Plan, and your schedule. If a slot is available that meets your scheduling needs, the amount of time from referral for AI to starting AI typically takes 2-3 weeks. If a student is placed on a waiting list, you will be contacted on a regular basis to update you about availability and planning.
back to top
I need new/updated testing for accommodations in college. How quickly can I get that done?
The Center can usually schedule evaluation appointments within three weeks of a request. It make take longer if a full evaluation is required. Most colleges and universities have specific requirements for documentation of an attention deficit or learning disability in order to receive accommodations such as extended time. The testing often needs to be within the past three years and include assessment of thinking abilities, academic achievement, and social-emotional functioning. Testing for college accommodations takes 6 or more hours to complete and so is scheduled as a Full Evaluation. We recommend that you begin the process at least a few months before the documentation is needed by calling your college or visiting your college’s website to determine what documentation is needed.
back to top
How Much Does it Cost? Questions:
How much does testing cost?
Testing is billed by the hour. Medical insurance may cover a portion of the cost of an evaluation, depending on diagnosis and your insurance policy. Check with your insurance carrier regarding benefits. Lee Pesky Learning Center also offers financial assistance based on income and family size. Please request and complete an Application for Financial Assistance to see if you qualify. Psychoeducational Evaluations are billed at $120 per hour in the Treasure Valley and $150 per hour in the Wood River Valley. Most comprehensive evaluations cost between $1500 and $2000 in the Treasure Valley and between $1800 and $2500 in the Wood River Valley. Actual charges vary depending on individual needs. For example, if a student has recently undergone an evaluation at school or in the community, testing might be more limited in scope.
back to top
How much does Academic Intervention (AI) cost?
The cost is $60 per hour in the Treasure Valley and $75 per hour in the Wood River Valley. This cost is higher than tutoring costs because the service is provided by a specialist trained to teach individuals with learning disabilities. Sessions are one-on-one and follow an individually-tailored AI Plan based on the student’s Learning Profile and academic goals. The multi-sensory instruction systematic and explicit and follows a structured approach. back to top
Does Lee Pesky Learning Center offer scholarships?
The Center offers financial assistance for clients, ranging from a 5% to 95% reduction in fees based upon family size and income. Please contact the Center for information about financial assistance.
back to top
Why do services cost what they do at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
Lee Pesky Learning Center is a nonprofit organization that maintains a highly professional standard in its work. The staff of the Center brings extensive training and experience in the field of learning disabilities. Fees provide less than 50% of the full cost of services to clients and we do extensive fundraising to cover the gap.
back to top
What is the Academic Intervention (AI) Plan?
The AI Plan is like a road map. It outlines the goals (where we are going) and the methods (how we will get there). Because it is created uniquely for each student, there is a $90 fee for generating the Plan. When the Educational Specialist and schedule have been established and the AI Plan is complete, an AI Plan Meeting will be scheduled. There is no additional charge for this meeting. At that time, you will have the opportunity to review this individualized plan and to ask questions.
back to top
Does insurance cover any of the costs at Lee Pesky Learning Center?
Depending on your insurance policy and the nature of the student’s needs, your insurance could cover a portion of the evaluation costs. Insurance does not cover costs associated with educational expenses, so IQ testing, academic achievement testing, and Academic Intervention are not costs that most insurance plans will cover.
back to top
Specific Testing/Service Questions:
Do you diagnose dyslexia?
Lee Pesky Learning Center can diagnose dyslexia and other learning disabilities such as dysgraphia (problems with writing) and dyscalculia (problems with math).
back to top
Do you do IQ testing?
Lee Pesky Learning Center does do IQ testing. Because one score by itself offers little insight into an individual’s pattern of abilities, it is important that the results of an IQ test be placed within the context of the individual’s overall learning. When we are asked to do an IQ test, we will first meet with you (Initial Interview). After testing is completed, we will write up a report based on the results and meet with you for a Feedback to explain the findings.
back to top
Do you offer ACT/SAT prep classes?
Lee Pesky Learning Center does not offer classes to prepare for specific exams. We recommend you contact Sylvan Learning Center, True North, and Huntington Learning Centers.
back to top
Do you have services for adults?
We offer services to students from age 4 or 5 through adulthood. Evaluations for adults can help them return to school, transition to work, or update documentation of learning needs for specific exams (e.g., GRE, MCAT, LSAT) or for accommodations in the workplace. We also provide one-on-one Academic Intervention to adults.
back to top
Logistical Questions:
Do you have centers in other locations?
Lee Pesky Learning Center has offices in Boise, Caldwell, Hailey, and Ketchum.
back to top
Are your forms available online?
General Information Assessment Fees Financial Assistance Intervention Fees
What are your hours?
Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. We are closed weekends and major holidays. Evaluation appointments are scheduled throughout the day. AI is usually offered in the late afternoon/early evening hours, although morning sessions are also available.
back to top
Can you get the school to do an IEP?
Lee Pesky Learning Center partners with parents to better understand their child’s individual learning profile. Your child’s evaluation at Lee Pesky Learning Center might result in the diagnosis of a learning disability. This means that some area of information processing or academic skill is unexpectedly low relative to the student’s general abilities. Parents can choose to take the test results to the school to have the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) or Child Study Team (CST) review it. It is important to know, however, that the School District must follow state and federal guidelines that define a learning disability within the school system. School personnel will need to review the evaluation findings and determine eligibility based on their criteria. It is possible that our diagnosis will not result in eligibility for special education services through the School District. Thus, a diagnosis of a learning disorder by Lee Pesky Learning Center does not translate directly into eligibility for special services with the School District.
back to top
Do you recommend medication for kids with ADD?
Although as mental health professionals we can diagnose attention problems, we do not have a medical professional on staff who prescribes medication. If an attention disorder is identified and you are interested in learning more about medication, we will refer you to your family physician or pediatrician to discuss medical intervention.
back to top
How are you different from other tutoring agencies or individuals?
Lee Pesky Learning Center takes a comprehensive approach to understanding and intervening with learning disabilities. Knowing how an individual learns and processes information, where they are in their academic skills development, and how their behaviors/emotions impact their learning gives us an understanding of the “whole person.” We then design interventions to improve skills, increase self-awareness and compensatory strategies, and build self-confidence and coping skills so that all areas grow together.
back to top
How is your testing different from the school’s testing?
The School District uses many, though not all, of the same tests used at Lee Pesky Learning Center. The School District would typically test across several days with the help of different professional staff, depending on the amount and type of testing deemed necessary. The school’s Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) would then meet with you to discuss results and recommendations. At Lee Pesky Learning Center, we typically complete the testing in one day, with two or three evaluators. At a later feedback meeting with one clinician, we provide a report of findings that includes Evaluation Summary, Testing Summary, and Learning Profile and Strategies sections. The findings integrate information across cognitive, educational, and psychosocial realms. The report describes the student’s strengths and needs and provides general recommendations and specific strategies for support, accommodations, and interventions.
back to top
Who is Lee Pesky?
Lee is the son of Alan and Wendy Pesky, founders of Lee Pesky Learning Center. The Center was established in memory of their son. Here is a letter from Lee.
“The funny thing about dysgraphia is that if it is not recognized it appears as if the student isn’t trying. I know from personal experience that is the worst feeling in the world. I sometimes felt totally helpless because I was trying as hard as I could in school, but my work was not reflecting my effort. I did not understand the situation at all and did not know what to do. Soon my problem became everybody else’s because I was so confused and lost. I always came home in a bad mood, because I felt I was not just as smart as my friends. You can probably imagine how I felt as a 10 year old trying to cope with something I did not understand. I then underwent testing to gain an understanding of my problem. Once the testing showed that I had a learning disability, the long process of curing it began. It took a great deal of understanding and hard work. It was not a single effort by me, but also of many others. With good help and a great deal of hard work on my part, I have learned to compensate and to succeed. I am a stronger and better person for that.”
back to top