Assessment is a term that includes "the collection of information, using a wide range of assessment procedures, for decision making about individuals , groups, programs or processes” (Association for Assessment in Counseling, 2003). When collecting this information, many factors play an important role in the outcome of the assessment. One of the most powerful factors is the environment in which the individual, group or program operates. This essay will, on the one hand, show how the environment, as an integral part of child development, impacts learning and, on the other hand, identify relevant assessment methods and techniques that could be used by a counselor when assessing a child of primary school age. According to Bronfenbrenner's environmental structure, there are five systems of individual development. These include the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Each layer builds on the previous one, completing the overall picture of the person. The most important layer for a young child is the microsystem, which corresponds to their immediate family environment and their relationships with their environment. These form the basis of a child's belief system and impact who they are. In the counseling evaluation process, it is essential to understand why the child might be experiencing difficulty. The best starting point is therefore to understand the environment that has helped nourish the child since birth. The objectives of the assessment include abilities, “achievements”, personality variables. , skills, attitudes, preferences, interests, values, demographics, and other characteristics” (Association for Assessment in Counseling, 2003). A counselor's assessment of a school-age child focuses on abilities...... middle of paper ....... et al. (2010). Lifespan development. Australia: John and sons Australia, Ltd. Keith, T. (2011) Weschler Intelligence Test. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/weschler-intelligence-test/Neukrug, E. and Fawcett, R. (2010). Essential elements of testing and evaluation. United States: Brookes / Cole. Papalia, D., Olds, S., & Feldman, R. (2009). Human development 11th ed. NY: McGraw HIll. Paquette, D. and Ryan, J. (2001). Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. Retrieved from http://pt3.nl.edu/paquetteryanwebquest.pdf#search=%22ecological%20theory%22The Association of Assessment for Education and Counseling: Assessment Skills for School Counselors (2003). Retrieved from http://aace.ncat.edu/Welfel, R. (1998). Ethics of counseling and psychotherapy. United States: Brookes/Cole.