Slow learning assessments plague P.E.I.

Children struggling in school on P.E.I. are having to wait years before their problems are assessed and appropriate help can be offered.

'We could have been able to offer her a laptop and software and things like that to assist her.' — Parent Roxanne Poirier

In some cases, this means students can make it almost all the way through elementary school before getting any assistance.

Roxanne Poirier realized her daughter needed help when she was in Grade 3. After waiting three fruitless years on the school list, the Poiriers were referred by their family doctor to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, where they finally got a diagnosis.

"She could have had that assessment in Grade 3," Poirier told CBC News Monday.

"We could have been able to offer her a laptop and software and things like that to assist her then. And I think it would have made a big difference."

Adrian Smith, director of student services with the Eastern School District, acknowledges there is a problem.

"The waiting list even a year ago would have been two years and a half," said Smith. "A shortage in psychologists is a major factor. And it's not just a shortage within the school district, but a shortage in health in general."

The Eastern School District currently has 5.4 psychologist positions. The Western School Board has three. That's enough for each to assess 180 to 200 students a year, well short of the need. The wait in both school districts is more than two years.

Private assessments expensive

Christina Stewart noticed her son was having a hard time when he was in Grade 2. She wasn't willing to accept the wait.

"After the two-to-three-year wait notice, we thought, 'Oh, we can't wait for this.' So we went for a private assessment," said Stewart.

But that isn't an option for many parents, because a private assessment costs between $1,400 and $1,800.

Stewart said she understands why there is a backlog, but in her mind it's not acceptable.

Both school districts say reducing the wait list is a priority.