Preschool Teacher Says My Child Needs an Assessment: What Now?
Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS
If your preschool teacher says your child needs an assessment, take it as useful information, not a verdict. Ask the teacher exactly what they have noticed, compare it with what you see at home, and book a visit with your paediatrician or polyclinic doctor, who can refer you for a developmental assessment. You can start supporting your child at home and in preschool while you wait.
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It Is Normal to Feel Upset
Hearing this can sting. Many parents feel worried or defensive, and grandparents may say the child is just a late bloomer. That is understandable. Remember that a teacher's concern is an observation, not a diagnosis. Teachers see your child among peers every day, so they notice things that are hard to spot at home.
Ask the Teacher Specific Questions
Ask for a short meeting and come with questions such as:
What exactly do you see? Can you give me two or three recent examples?
When does it happen, and how often? Is it every day or only at certain times?
How does my child manage routines like circle time, transitions, toileting and mealtimes?
How does my child play? Alone, alongside others, or with others?
Does my child follow group instructions, or only when an adult repeats them one to one?
Write down the answers, and ask if the teacher can put their observations in a short note for the doctor.
Compare With What You See at Home
Children often behave differently at home, where adults adjust to them without noticing. Over the next week, watch the same areas the teacher mentioned. Ask your helper or grandparents too, since they may spend more weekday hours with your child.
A short list is enough:
Three things your child does well (for example, counts to 20, loves puzzles).
Three things you are unsure about (for example, rarely answers questions, upset when plans change).
How your child talks, plays and follows instructions at home.
Bring this list and the teacher's note to the appointment.
Your Next Step in Singapore
Book a visit with your paediatrician or a polyclinic doctor. They can review your child's development and, if needed, refer you to a child development service at KKH or NUH. These services see children with speech, social, behaviour and learning concerns. Private developmental assessments are another route if you want a shorter wait. For a full walk-through of each route, read our step-by-step guide to getting an autism assessment in Singapore.
You Do Not Need to Wait for a Diagnosis
Waits for public assessments can be long, and if your child is heading to Primary 1 in a year or two, that time matters. You do not need a diagnosis to start helping your child. Short daily play sessions, clear one-step instructions and picture schedules for routines all help. Many families also start early intervention support during the wait. We share more ideas in what to do while waiting for a KKH or NUH assessment.
Work With the Preschool
Rather than trying to fix everything, agree on one or two shared strategies with the teacher. For example:
Use the same short phrase for transitions at home and in class, such as "First tidy up, then snack".
Give a five-minute warning before an activity ends, both at school and at home.
Check in every two to three weeks, even by quick message. You and the teacher are on the same team.
Ask What Learning Support the Preschool Offers
In Singapore, ECDA supports preschools with programmes for children with developmental needs. One example is Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS), short-term support delivered within the child's preschool for children with lower needs. Ask your centre principal whether your preschool offers DS-LS or other support, and what the next steps are to access it. If you are also thinking about Primary 1, our school readiness programme focuses on classroom skills like following group instructions and managing routines.
What we see in practice
Many families we work with notice that their child behaves quite differently at home and at preschool, which is why the teacher's view and the parent's view are both valuable. We often see that children make steadier progress when parents and teachers agree on a small number of shared strategies and stick with them.
When to Get Support
Speak to your doctor soon if:
Your child has lost words or skills they used to have.
Your child rarely responds to their name, points or shares interest with you.
Speech, play or following instructions seem well behind other children of the same age.
Behaviour at preschool or home is making daily routines very hard.
Both you and the teacher have the same concerns.
If you are unsure, it is always reasonable to ask.
This article is general information and not medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's health or development, please speak to your doctor or a qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a teacher's concern mean my child has autism or ADHD?
No. A preschool teacher can describe what they observe in class, but only a doctor or qualified assessor can make a diagnosis. Many children who are flagged turn out to need a little extra help in one area, and some need more. An assessment is how you find out which.
How do I get an assessment in Singapore?
Start with your paediatrician or a polyclinic doctor. They can check your child, and if needed, refer you to the child development service at KKH or NUH. Private developmental assessments are another option if you prefer a shorter wait and are comfortable with the cost.
Should I wait for the assessment before getting help?
You do not need to wait. You can start simple strategies at home and at preschool now, and early intervention support can begin while you wait for an appointment. Acting early gives your child more time to build skills before Primary 1.
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Talk to ABA LABS
If your preschool has raised a concern and you are not sure where to start, we can help you plan the next steps. You can book a free consultation, learn about our home-based early intervention programme, or use our free milestone checklist to see how your child is doing today.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2026). Concerned About Your Child's Development?
Early Childhood Development Agency (2026). Early Intervention Services
KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Child Development
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