When I think of child development...

Testing for Intelligence

I am committed to the whole child concept.  When working with children, I focus on all aspects of their development.  I provide a learning environment that supports their physical, spiritual, emotional, cognitive, biosocial, and psychosocial needs.  The overall objectives are:

• fostering and guiding children to practice a healthy lifestyle 
• providing children with a physically and emotionally safe environment 
• providing resources and support children will need to help them to learn 
• providing children with an engaging and challenging learning environment that will prepare them for success later in life 

http://www.ascd.org/whole-child.aspx

In the UK, childrens' intelligence is assessed by using the Mensa IQ Test.  Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by Roland Berrill, a barrister, and Dr Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. They had the idea of forming a society for bright people, the only qualification for membership of which was a high IQ. The original aims were, as they are today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions.  Their objects are:  

• to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members
• to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity
• to encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence

 Some of the characteristics and levels of intelligence they test children for are:   

• Reading early
• Unusual hobbies or interests or an in-depth knowledge of certain subjects
• Intolerance of other children
• An awareness of world events
• Set themselves impossibly high standards
• May be a high achiever
• Prefers to spend time with adults or in solitary pursuits
• Loves to talk
• Asks questions all the time
• Learns easily
• Developed sense of humour
• Musical
• Likes to be in control
• Makes up additional rules for games
• Extrovert/introvert
• Passing intellectual milestones early
• An unusual memory

Source:  http://www.mensa.org.uk/

Another IQ testing option in the UK is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children or WISC.  It was developed by Dr. David Wechsler.  It is administered to children between ages 6 and 16.  The test is standardized and is not just for the gifted.  It also includes special groups of children with disabilities, mild or moderate mental retardation, learning disorders, ADHD, Austim, etc.  The WISC is used as an intelligence test and a as a clinical tool by most practiioners to diagnose learning disorders or behavior disorders.  

Source:  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wechsler_Intelligence_Scale_for_Children

FYI

Some suggestions  I have is to never get comfortable at whichever level you are on when working with meeting the needs of children.  There is always work to be done.  Always seek ways to improve, yourself as a professional and to help your child/student achieve more.  Remember to assess the whole child.  Don't just focus on academics.  It's possible that the child may master reading and writing but lack the emotional support or a well balanced diet.  Always assess, their mental health, safety, interest, physical activities, social interactions.