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Training:
HELP for Preschoolers Assessment and Curriculum Guide (3-6)


Introduction
Background on HELP 3-6
Developmental Skills/Strand Structure
Instructions



Introduction

The term "HELP" is derived from the product "Hawaii Early Learning Profile," which was first published by VORT in 1979. The original HELP materials consisted of a profile Chart and an Activity Guide for serving children, ages birth through three years (0-3).

In 1987, VORT published Help for Special Preschoolers (for serving children three to six years: 3-6) which was derived from the BCP (Behavioral Characteristics Progression) developed by VORT and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. These 3-6 materials did not link directly to the HELP 0-3 materials since each set of materials evolved from two different groups of authors. The 0-3 materials were completely updated in 1992 and 1994, including an improved developmental structure.

To better link the 3-6 materials to the improved 0-3 materials, VORT has completely revised and re-structured the 3-6 year materials to conform to the developmental Strand structure of the 0-3 materials, thus offering a seamless Birth-6 continuum. New administration, assessment, instruction, and parent support materials have also been added to conform to similar materials available for 0-3. The revised 3-6 materials are now called HELP for Preschoolers and consist of five titles:
  • HELP for Preschoolers - Assessment and Curriculum Guide
  • HELP for Preschoolers Strand
  • HELP for Preschoolers Charts
  • HELP for Preschoolers Checklist
  • HELP for Preschoolers Activities at Home
The combined 0-6 materials cover over 1,300 unique skills in the six domains of: Cognitive, Language, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Social, and Self-Help skills. The skills are supported by over 1,800 pages of administration, assessment, curriculum, and family support materials. This comprehensive and detailed information lends itself to use via a database since all information is linked by the unique skill numbers. The six domains have been divided into about 60 developmentally-sequenced strands. Each strand includes skills which focus upon a specific underlying key concept and are hierarchical in nature; i.e., one skill leads to or builds the foundation for the next skill. The HELP materials are not standardized. The age ranges are provided to indicate when a skill typically emerges.

Skills listed on traditional developmental checklists and standardized tests, although generally listed in a developmental order according to age, are not generally hierarchical. Consequently, if a child passes one skill it does not necessarily mean that he is ready to learn the next skill. Conversely, if a child failed an item, this does not mean that he cannot accomplish or is not ready to learn a skill placed higher on the continuum. Without careful item analysis, it can be difficult to identify strengths and needs within a domain of development and difficult to identify "next steps" for planning. The HELP for Preschooler Strands address these needs and provides an option for assessment and monitoring.

Safety First!
Although precaution and safety notes are often included for the activities, there may be some activities which are not appropriate for some children, and some which have the potential for misinterpretation. It is your professional responsibility to carefully review the appropriateness of the activities for each particular child, and to alter the activity and/or add additional safety precautions as needed. It is extremely important to use caution with the child and to supervise him carefully around sharp objects and utensils, appliances, small objects, scissors, hot water, etc.

Involve parents:
HELP for Preschoolers Activities at Home offers warm, at home suggestions for each skill. These are written from the child's point of view and include an Introduction to the skill, Materials in the home for teaching the skills, and Activities for the parent to follow to help the child develop the respective skill.
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