Early Intervention Assessment: Styles, Steps, and Requirements

Evaluation Styles in Early Childhood Assessment

Evaluation in Early Childhood Education (Ed. Infantil) utilizes three primary styles:

1. Multidisciplinary: Every professional involved assesses the child separately, using the procedures and perspectives of their own discipline.
2. Interdisciplinary: Each member of the team works collaboratively with parents and other professionals to conduct the evaluation.
3. Transdisciplinary: A single professional, working closely with the parents, conducts a comprehensive evaluation.

Psychological Assessment in Early Intervention (EI)

Psychological assessment in Early Intervention (EI) requires professionals to be patient, observant, creative, and dynamic, recognizing that the behavior of very young children is highly variable.

Essential Professional Qualifications

Effective EI professionals must possess:

• Enjoyment in dealing with children.
• Thorough knowledge of child development.
• Experience working with young children.
• The ability to "read" the behavioral signs of children.
• The ability to interpret the signs and concerns of the parents.
• A sensible and professional approach.

Key Elements of the Early Intervention Evaluation Process

1. Family Involvement and Priorities

   Family members are a key part of the evaluation process. Professionals must know how to respond to their priorities, build rapport, and foster cooperation among all family members.

2. Interpreting Psychometric and Clinical Results

   It is crucial to know how to interpret the results obtained from any assessment tool. Obtaining a raw score is of little use unless it is placed within the appropriate psychometric and clinical context.

The Early Intervention Evaluation Process Steps

1. Identification (ID)

   Locate children and families likely to need Early Intervention (EI) services.

2. Comprehensive Assessment

   Assess the child thoroughly to determine if an evolutionary problem exists, identify the nature of the problem, and ascertain the types of care needed.

3. Intervention Planning Rating

   Coordinate the information collected to:

   • Determine the current level of functioning of the child.
   • Identify strengths and problem areas.
   • Determine outcomes and objectives of the intervention.
   • Identify useful strategies for intervention.

4. Change Control and Monitoring

   Monitor the progress of the child to determine the effectiveness of activities and intervention strategies implemented.

5. Program Evaluation

   Collect information to determine the overall effectiveness of the Early Intervention program.

Purpose of Early Intervention Evaluation

Early Intervention (EI) evaluations are conducted to guide the subject's development and structure the intervention process effectively. This requires knowing as much as possible about the reality of the child, family, and environment. Professionals must dedicate sufficient time to fully understand the family's reality and context.