Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

What is the best use of a developmental screening checklist with preschool children?

1. To identify gifted children

2. To assess readiness for kindergarten

3. To determine eligibility for special education

4. To evaluate language skills

The correct answer is: To determine eligibility for special education

A developmental screening checklist is primarily designed to identify whether a child is meeting specific developmental milestones and to detect potential delays or challenges that may require further evaluation. The best use of this tool with preschool children is to determine eligibility for special education services. This process can help educators and specialists to pinpoint areas where a child may be struggling, indicating a need for additional support or interventions. Early identification of developmental delays is crucial, as it allows for timely support that can significantly improve outcomes for children. The checklist provides a structured way to systematically assess various aspects of a child's development, such as cognitive, motor, social, and emotional skills. While the other options, such as assessing readiness for kindergarten or evaluating language skills, may involve some elements of developmentally appropriate assessments, they do not encompass the broader purpose of screening aimed specifically at identifying children who may need special education services. These checklists are not designed to specifically identify giftedness, as their focus is on identifying areas where a child may need additional help rather than measuring advanced skills or abilities.