Chapters 4 and 5
Helpful Administration and
Interpretation Strategies
for the Novice Practitioner
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The Evaluation Process
The evaluation process has three stages:
1. Pre-evaluation planning
2. Evaluation activities
3. Post-assessment activities
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Number 1 Rule
Health and Safety
Come First!
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Prior to Administration
• Read the textbook very carefully!
• Team members should spend ample time
in practice sessions to enhance
observation and interview skills.
• Practice administration of test items in the
context of play with typical children to
develop a level of comfort.
• Understand how to record information.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Organize Materials
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Refer to text for a list of suggested toys.
Invest in a durable toy bag with pockets.
Always use clean and disinfected toys.
Check to make sure that toys and materials are
safe and developmentally appropriate for each
child.
• Understand which toy elicits the desired
response.
• Know what you have and where it is located to
decrease child’s waiting time.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Work Together as a Team
• Collaborative teamwork takes time!
• Review referral problem and background
information.
• Follow state guidelines for conducting an
evaluation, for example, Doctor’s Rx.
• Obtain permission to review medical
records as appropriate.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Designate Team Roles
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Team leader?
Initial contact with family?
Caregiver interview?
Examiner or play facilitator?
Recorder for each discipline?
Contact with lead agency for early
intervention?
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Helpful Suggestions for Recording
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Write down EVERYTHING during session!
Fill out response sheets completely.
Do not leave anything to memory.
Jot down everything and anything you think is
relevant to understanding the child.
• Use separate recording forms or initials to
distinguish between more than one caregiver.
• Put the date on each section, especially if using
serial assessment.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Guidelines for Interpretation
The PIP has been developed with a
flexible system for scoring and
interpretation and can easily be adapted
to the varied criteria that each state has
established for eligibility into early
intervention services. Check your state and
county early intervention agencies for
specific criteria and evaluation timelines.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Clinical Judgment
There is an art and science to interpretation.
• Numbers alone rarely reflect the full picture of a
child’s behavior and performance.
• The pace of development is unequal across the
early months.
• Infants and young children are difficult to assess
and are variable in their performance.
• Clinical judgment is based on a broad-based
knowledge of child development in combination
with years of clinical experience.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Looking Beyond the Numbers!
Interpretation does not end with
identification of percentages or degrees of
delay! Valuable information about learning
styles is gleaned from noting how children
solve problems, communicate their wants
and needs, and respond to environmental
changes. Assessment information should be
linked to intervention.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Formulating Recommendations
Work in Partnership with Families!
• The parents or caregivers MUST be
involved this phase of the evaluation!
• A family’s cultural context MUST be
considered!
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Cultural Context
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Attitudes
Beliefs
Customs
Values
Languages
Behaviors
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Priorities
Perceptions
Goals
Communication style
Decision-making
Family history
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Transitions and Closure
Early intervention (EI) practitioners need to
support families during and after the evaluation
process. It is often difficult for families to negotiate
through the early intervention system. Always be
cognizant that families have invested a trust in
your ability to answer their questions, assist them
with decision-making, and guide them through an
important life-changing transition.
It is a huge ethical responsibility and an honor.
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Reflection
It is important for early intervention practitioners
to engage in active self-reflection regarding their
own performance during the evaluation process.
Developing the necessary field maturity to
conduct an honest appraisal of one’s abilities and
talents takes courage. There is truth in the lesson
that partnerships with families is a reciprocal
learning experience for us all!
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Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.