Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Seeking suggestions for measuring child-level outcomes

    Posted 07-29-2020 10:26 AM
    Hello,

    I am part of a team evaluating impact of a new effort to support preschool teachers with managing challenging behaviors with a focus on trauma-informed care.  We would like to evaluate impact of this program at the child level and are having difficulty identifying an instrument for measuring outcomes at the child level.  I would appreciate any suggestions-- particularly validated instruments.

    Thank you!

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    Kristin King
    Research and Evaluation Project Manager
    Ms
    Malden MA
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  • 2.  RE: Seeking suggestions for measuring child-level outcomes

    Posted 07-30-2020 01:28 AM
    Have you looked at the The Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA)?  It assesses elements like self-regulation, initiative, and attachment relationships. 
    https://centerforresilientchildren.org/home/about-us/summary-technical-information-assessment-tools/

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    Lynn Arner
    Early Learning Specialist
    Early Years
    Woodland CA
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  • 3.  RE: Seeking suggestions for measuring child-level outcomes

    Posted 07-31-2020 12:36 AM
    Hi, 
    We use the Highscope Child Observation Record(COR). Children are assessed in all areas.     The COR is an observational tool. Teachers or caregivers spend a few minutes each day writing brief notes ("anecdotes") that describe significant episodes of young children's behavior. They record their notes on printed forms or in computer files, and then classify and rate them according to the COR categories, items, and levels."
    Here is a link to the website:
    https://coradvantage.com/


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    Morine Bennett
    Preschool Teacher
    Orange Public Schools
    New Jersey
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  • 4.  RE: Seeking suggestions for measuring child-level outcomes

    Posted 07-30-2020 04:29 AM

    Hi Kristin:

    I'm wondering if the DECA would be appropriate?  From their website: 

    The Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Preschoolers, Second Edition (DECA-P2) is a
    behavior rating scale that is completed by parents and/or teachers which provides an
    assessment of within-child protective factors central to social and emotional health and
    resilience, as well as a screener for behavioral concerns in children ages 3 through 5 (i.e., up to
    the sixth birthday).

    I believe many Head Start programs use this tool to measure social emotional strengths; perhaps you
    can reach out to them to learn how they use the data to individualize services?

    Best of luck with your project!

    Kristen 



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    Kristen Kennen
    Early Childhood Education Specialist
    EdAdvance
    Danbury, CT
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  • 5.  RE: Seeking suggestions for measuring child-level outcomes

    Posted 07-30-2020 10:27 AM
    Did you do an initial measure using a tool prior to implementing the program? If you did, then you need to use the same tool at the end, otherwise, you are not going to get useful results. What are the teachers using during the implementation to keep track of children's behaviors?

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    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
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