Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment

Systematic developmental assessment is essential to quality preschool programming and required for Head Start compliance. This quarterly assessment checklist guides teachers in documenting child progress across all developmental domains, preparing for parent conferences, and ensuring kindergarten readiness skills are being addressed.

  • Industry: Childcare and Education
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes per child
  • Role: Lead Teacher / Education Specialist
  • Total Items: 32

Language and Literacy Development

Document language and literacy progress.

  • Child uses sentences of 4-6 words and can tell a simple story?
  • Child follows multi-step directions and understands complex language?
  • Child recognizes most letters of the alphabet, especially letters in own name?
  • Child demonstrates phonological awareness (rhymes, beginning sounds, syllables)?
  • Child demonstrates print concepts (book handling, left-to-right directionality)?
  • Child attempts to write name and uses writing purposefully in play?

Mathematics and Cognitive Development

Document math and cognitive skill development.

  • Child counts to 10 or beyond with one-to-one correspondence?
  • Child recognizes written numerals 1-10?
  • Child identifies basic shapes and colors?
  • Child demonstrates persistence and strategies when solving problems?
  • Child sorts by multiple attributes and identifies simple patterns?
  • Child demonstrates age-appropriate memory and sustained attention?

Social-Emotional Development

Document social and emotional development.

  • Child forms and maintains positive relationships with peers?
  • Child demonstrates growing ability to manage emotions and behavior?
  • Child has positive, trusting relationship with teachers and caregivers?
  • Child demonstrates positive self-concept and confidence in abilities?
  • Child beginning to use words and strategies to resolve peer conflicts?

Physical and Motor Development

Document physical and motor skill development.

  • Child demonstrates age-appropriate gross motor skills (running, jumping, balancing)?
  • Child uses scissors, holds writing tools, and manipulates small objects?
  • Child demonstrates age-appropriate self-care skills (toileting, hand washing, dressing)?
  • Child demonstrates body awareness and spatial relationships?
  • Vision, hearing, and developmental screenings completed and current?

Kindergarten Readiness Indicators

Document key kindergarten readiness skills.

  • Child shows curiosity, initiative, and positive approaches to learning?
  • Child follows classroom routines and transitions independently?
  • Child persists with age-appropriate tasks to completion?
  • Child participates in group activities and follows group directions?
  • No significant kindergarten readiness concerns identified requiring referral?

Documentation and Family Communication

Verify assessment documentation and parent communication.

  • Portfolio with work samples and observation notes collected?
  • Standardized assessment tool (TS GOLD, Creative Curriculum, etc.) ratings entered?
  • Parent conference summary prepared in family-friendly language?
  • Referrals for evaluation or support services initiated for any concerns identified?
  • Individualized next steps and goals planned based on assessment findings?

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Why Use This Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment?

This preschool child developmental progress assessment helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lead teacher / education specialist professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment cover?

This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Language and Literacy Development, Mathematics and Cognitive Development, Social-Emotional Development, Physical and Motor Development, Kindergarten Readiness Indicators, Documentation and Family Communication. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes per child.

Who should use this Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment?

This checklist is designed for Lead Teacher / Education Specialist professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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