Assignment task:
Understanding the assessments used for identification purposes with students in the early childhood setting is really important. As a professional in the field of early childhood special education, you will be tasked with using a variety of assessments for data collection for identification purposes (in collaboration with other service providers in your school or district).
In this field experience, continue to observe your mentor's class, noting the students with exceptionalities and their behaviors and accommodations. Interview your mentor teacher or a school psychologist that assesses young students with special needs. In your interview, address the following items:
- What is the process used by the school or district to assess the needs of young children? What are the steps and timeline requirements?
- What is the teacher's role in this process? What are the roles of other stakeholders?
- What are at least five standardized assessment tools used in the early childhood environment? (Ask if you can see examples.)
- What is the district's process in training teachers on using these assessments?
Following the interview, research three of the standardized assessment tools discussed in the interview.
Summary of the interview that includes the following:
- Overview of the school's or district's assessment process, including the roles of the teacher and other stakeholders.
- Descriptions of the assessment tools discussed, including the format of the assessments, the developmental or academic areas they assess, and how the results are scored and reported.
- How teachers are trained in using these specific assessments.
Provide a minimum of three resources you used to research the assessment tools.