Identify and explain at least three recommended assessment practices in early childhood special education. Provide an explanation as to why these are important areas for consideration when conducting assessments on children with delays or disabilities.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students may list any of the following recommended assessment practices: (1) using a team-based approach, (2) being family-centered, (3) using multiple methods, (4) including multiple domains for testing, (5) including multiple sources (e.g., teachers, families, special professionals), (6) using multiple contexts (e.g., school, home, childcare), and (7) being culturally appropriate. Student answers will vary on the second half of the question. Important areas for consideration include as follow: being family centered since families are a large part of children with delays or disabilities natural environment and can be a valuable resources in developing children’s learning goals; using multiple sources since children with delays or disabilities typically interact with multiple individuals such as teachers, families, and special practitioners to address their needs and learning goals; and using multiple contexts to include home, school, childcare centers, and other areas of a child’s environment. Using multiple contexts is important to understand the full range of a child’s needs as they relate to specific delays or disabilities.