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Introduction
Background on HELP 3-6
Developmental Skills/Strand Structure
Instructions
HELP for Preschoolers is a curriculum-based assessment for use with children who are developing as "normal" preschoolers or who may have developmental delays. It is designed to be used by those who are currently working in early childhood settings, by those who are involved in a multi-disciplinary or transdisciplinary team approach, by parents, and by those who are responsible for the early identification of children with special needs. HELP for Preschoolers is versatile and addresses the requirements for early childhood programs, including:
Assessment and early identification: Through parent interviews, ecological observations, and exposure to different activities in all areas of development, individuals working with preschool aged children can get an overall picture of a child's skill levels. You can use the HELP for Preschoolers materials to document the child's growth and progress, both at home and in the educational setting. This can help you determine when a child is developing within the range of normal expectations - using approximate general age ranges per strand. (Note: The HELP materials are not standardized. The age ranges are provided to indicate when a skill typically emerges). You can use HELP for Preschoolers to record the child's development in a longitudinal manner during the preschool years (ranging from the age of three to six years). When there appear to be delays, mild or severe, it should be decided, with the parents involvement, whether the child needs to be referred to his/her local school district for a more in-depth assessment to determine eligibility for special education services according to Public Law 99-457. Early identification of young children with special needs is a goal of early childhood educators. Children with more pronounced needs, such as Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, and hearing losses, are typically identified at birth or during the first years of life. However, children with milder delays, or those who are considered to be at risk of developmental delays, often aren't identified until their preschool years or later. Early identification and intervention are important for providing children with programs that will meet their individual needs. Programs can range from a structured classroom environment, with a high teacher-to-child ratio, to full inclusion within a regular preschool program with consultation being provided to the child, family, and school staff by a special education teacher. The HELP for Preschoolers assessments, based on domain, goal, and skill, can be used to monitor established goals and objectives as part of a child's individual educational plan.
Program intervention and instructional teaching resource: By charting a child's developmental progress using HELP for Preschoolers, intervention strategies can be included in the curriculum to build and expand a child's skills. The child should be taught according to his rate and style of learning within the range of normal development. HELP for Preschoolers provides detailed instructional activities for each skill along with suggestions for adapting activities relative to the child's experience and abilities.
Parent involvement: A high priority has been given to the goal of parent involvement. The parent needs to be introduced to the teaching concepts that can be carried over into the home setting. As the parent becomes more involved, he or she will begin to feel more competent and effective in reinforcing skills at home that have been introduced in the educational setting. The HELP for Preschoolers Activities at Home provides practical, home-based activities that can easily be administered by the parents or the child's home-care provider. An introduction, a short list of easy-to-assemble materials and clear, complete lists of activities is included for each skill.
Team approach and training guide: Family members, the early childhood educator, and other school personnel, along with professionals such as audiologists, social workers and therapists, constitute the team that provides comprehensive services to meet the child's unique needs. HELP for Preschoolers can be used by the team to chart growth, and as a training guide for persons who are new to the field of early childhood education, particularly in working with young children who are developmentally delayed or at high risk. HELP for Preschoolers can support early childhood teachers or administrator working with paraprofessionals, volunteers, or teachers' aides, and can be used to train staff in assessing the child's skill levels, as well as providing activities for teaching various skills. HELP for Preschoolers can be used as a resource for teachers whose classes include children with special needs, as well as other preschoolers. HELP for Preschoolers can help with inclusion as early childhood educators are required to determine levels of attainment met by a child with special needs, while at the same time assessing the skill levels of other preschool-aged children who may be at a different level of development.
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