Module 8: Assessment Summaries using Child Studies

Module 8 focuses on the child study as an invaluable tool for summarizing multiple aspects of a child’s learning and development. Early childhood Education stakeholders—teachers, parents, and other education professionals—use information from the child study to structure intervention and learning experiences that support children’s learning and development. By the conclusion of Module 8, you will understand how to use the child study to summarize, share, and report assessment information to parents and a variety of early childhood education stakeholders.

Child Studies A child study is an in-depth review of an individual child at a particular time. Primary responsibility for initiating the study differs—depending on the age of the child, and the nature of the questions being asked about learning, behavior, or development. Referral questions help professionals determine the specific needs and problems of the child, and also guild the assessment of the developmental progress of the child.

Elements of a Child Study Elements of a child study include: Demographic information Description of the child Questions/concerns that serve as the purpose for the child study Family information/background Developmental milestones Current functioning Once the child study is complete a report should be written. Following the guidelines presented in Box 8.1 will result in a though, well-written report.

Purposes of Child Studies Circumstances that cause initiation of a child study differ. Example 1: Infant Child Study Initiating event: A low Apgar score (screening of a newborn given one and five minutes after birth) may serve as the impetus for a child study. Primary Responsibility Medical Team Information available: Medical and social history Plan of Action: Medical Intervention Diagnostic Tests Social service intervention based on recommendations of social workers.

Purposes of Child Studies Example 2: Preschool Child Study Initiating event: Child displays speech and language problems Primary Responsibility : Child Find Team Information available: Screening Results RTI classroom interventions Diagnostic assessment from the speech therapist Plan of Action: Discussion of results with child’s parents Weekly speech therapy

Child Study Process It should be noted that a child study “evolves,” and where one issue may serve as the initiating circumstance, as the study proceeds, additional situations may emerge that require additional assessment. Concern over speech Diagnostic evaluation by speech therapist Referral to psychologist Child Study Team summarizes information Information Shared with parents Concern over intellectual functioning

What Next?  Review Section VIII of the Early Childhood Assessment Study Guide. Can you explain each of the concepts and terms listed?  Reflect on the process of conducting a child study. What are the benefits and potential drawbacks to having multiple professionals involved in the assessment of a child? What aspects of the child study ensure that the process will remain a holistic one?  Connect with a teacher who has been involved with a child study. What are their views on the value of the child study? How did they use the information from the study to work with a child in their care/classroom?