FAQs for the ECAA One-to-One

How do I make an appointment for my child to be tested?
What happens during the test session?
When is the best time for my child to take the test?
How long will it take to receive the test results?
How often can my child take the test?
How do I add more schools?
How do I register online?
What if my child is bilingual?
What if my child needs testing accommodations?
What if my child is shy and won’t separate from the parent to work with an examiner?
Who are ERB examiners?
What if I cannot understand the results?
Should my child have a snack?
What happens if I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Do parents receive the same report as schools?
How do I obtain a Fee Reduction application?

How do I make an appointment for my child to be tested?
If your child attends one of the participating Early Childhood Schools, the test is administered in the familiar atmosphere of the school. Your child’s school will explain the details of the process for his or her school, as procedures may vary from school to school.

Registration forms will be available shortly, which will allow you  to download an in-school application form to complete, sign, and mail to ERB with the testing fee, or you can register online. A child can only be scheduled for testing once an application has been received, so be sure to mail your child’s registration form as early as possible. The child’s school, in coordination with ERB, will choose a suitable day for testing.

If your child does not attend a participating school you can register online, or you can download the application form for ERB office testing. This form is also provided in the admissions packet of the school or schools to which your child is applying.

For additional information, please call (800) 989-3721 ext. 2601 or 2602.

What happens during the test session?
Remember to download your free copy of What to Expect on the ECAA One-to-One
After an initial greeting, the examiner will accompany your child to a testing room. Parents are asked to remain in the waiting room.

• The child will be presented a series of questions and hands-on tasks.
• The child will be praised for effort and is not expected to know everything.
• Activities are brief, varied, and appealing. Most children enjoy the testing sessions.

When is the best time for my child to take the test?
Many parents are discovering that testing during the spring and summer works well because there aren’t as many school and career commitments. Ideally, choose a time when your child feels secure and is in good health.
Remember, testing is always based on the child’s chronological age, so there is no advantage to waiting.

How long will it take to receive the test results?
Each report is individually written, carefully reviewed, and mailed in the order of the date tested. On average, test reports are mailed approximately 3 to 4 weeks from the date of the test. Remember to schedule your appointment as soon as possible, so that the test report may be received well in advance of school deadlines.

How often can my child take the test?
Testing is for admission to participating schools. Students may take the test only once during a given admission season. Students may not be tested for practice or simply for parents’ information.

How do I add more schools?
Once you have carefully considered your school choices, please make sure ERB knows which schools are to receive reports. Once on the list, a school may not be removed.

If you registered online, schools may be added online. If you registered over the phone or through the mail, a school may be added to the list in writing only. The written request for additions or changes must include your child’s name, date of birth, date of testing, and location of testing. Please remember to sign the list and include a phone number where you can be reached.

After all reports have been requested under the initial registration fee, parents may request additional school reports. You may add schools using the following fee schedule:

• If registered by phone or mail, the registration fee includes up to six official reports to selected schools
• If registered online, the registration fee includes up to or seven official reports to selected schools

Note: If you have exceeded the allotted number of schools included in the initial testing fee, there is a fee of $15 per each additional school.
 

If you registered online, you may add schools through our online registration program.  If you did not register online, you may add additional schools by sending your request to our records department by emailing or fax (212) 370-4096.

How do I register online?
You may register online at https://www.ecaatest.org. Please note that online registration accepts credit card payment only.

What if my child is bilingual?
Please remember to indicate in the registration process whether your child is bilingual. This will ensure that it is mentioned in the child’s report.

If the child is unable to fully participate in verbal tasks, the examiner may report solely on the child’s non-verbal performance.

Please note: The testing for entry into NYC private and independent schools is offered in English.

What if my child needs testing accommodations?
Appropriate testing accommodations can be provided on the reading comprehension component of the ECAA. This portion of the ECAA is given to students applying to grades 3 and 4.

If you feel your child may qualify for accommodations, please download the Testing with Accommodations form and submit per the instructions on the form.

What if my child is shy and won’t separate from the parent to work with an examiner?
ERB examiners are skilled at building rapport with young children. If your child is unable to separate for testing at your scheduled appointment time, our staff will be happy to arrange for another appointment for your child.

Who are ERB examiners? 
ERB examiners participate in an extensive interview and training process. They have received formal training in assessment.

What if I cannot understand the results?
If you have any questions about your test report, you may call and get answers over the phone at no fee.  An in-person test report interpretation can be set-up at ERB by appointment for a fee of $300. 

Should my child have a snack?
Bringing a snack may serve as a distraction. It is recommended that the student has any needed snacks in advance of them separating to work with the ERB examiner.

What happens if I cancel or reschedule my appointment? 
Appointments during admission season are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for your child and an examiner is scheduled accordingly. Sufficient notification for any change to your appointment is needed to accommodate your child, as well as any other child waiting for an appointment.

Depending on the length of notice given, you will be charged a cancellation or rescheduling fee. The cancellation/reschedule fees are as follows:

Cancellation/Withdrawal:
Prior to 15 business days from your scheduled appointment $25
2-14 business days from your scheduled appointment $50
Fewer that 2 business days $150

Reschedule:
Prior to 15 days from your scheduled appointment $25
Fewer than 14 days from your scheduled appointment $50

No Show: If you do not show up for your child’s scheduled appointment for any reason, there will be a $150 no-show fee.

If cancelling an appointment online, remember to contact ERB to obtain the designated refund.

Do parents receive the same report as schools? 
Yes. Parents and schools receive the same report.

How do I obtain a Fee Reduction application?
Please contact ISAAGNY for a fee reduction application.  Please note that currently the ISAAGNY fee reduction program is the only financial assistance program available for the ECAA One-to-One.