Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP)

By Susy Toland, Rosemary Crock, and Heidi Goff

HELP

Written & Adapted by Stephanie Parks, M.A. Published by VORT Corporation Copyright 1992

HELP Continued

Ages Infant/Toddler & Preschool Versions Criterion Referenced Test Used for Curriculum Planning Parents considered a vital part of assessment process

HELP Domains

Cognition Language Gross Motor Fine Motor Social-Emotional Self-Help

HELP Domains- Added to Original Domains

Regulatory Sensory Organization

HELP History

Developed by federal project Enrichment Project for Handicapped Infants 685 developmental skills identified Given age range for each skill

HELP Materials

Activity Guide Charts Inside HELP Strands Cross-Reference Index

HELP Activity Guide & HELP Charts

HELP Activity Guide and HELP Charts were developed as curriculum guides for early intervention HELP Activity Guide and HELP Charts field tested in 35 states and 7 countries

Inside HELP

Inside HELP Provides:

Clear definitions of developmental skills Credit criteria Assessment procedures

Used to assist examiner in conducting the test

HELP Strands

Contains core 685 developmental skills Divides skills into 40 conceptual strands Each strand focuses on a key concept Strands help focus problem areas and assist with curriculum planning

HELP Cross-Reference Index

Helps find page number for skill definition and scoring criteria within Inside HELP

Conducting the Test

Can use several different record methods

HELP Chart HELP Strands HELP Checklist-provides space for multiple observation dates

Examiner Preference for record method

Conducting the Test

Start with the childs chronological age If child performs two skills in good quality assume they can perform earlier skills Continue until child misses more than two consecutive skills Last skill in that category completed successfully is the development age range of child

Ease of Use

Must familiarize yourself with material before conducting test Once familiar with procedures-easy to administer Many record options for examiner

Strands Chart Checklist

No manipulatives are included- did not have a balance beam, peg board, or 1 inch blocks

Ease of Use Continued

Icons for every strand included in Inside HELP

Family Explanation of Strand Professional FYI Parent Questions Sample Outcome Statements Transactional Assessment Identifying Needs for Intervention Assessment Adaptations Procedures & Processes Assessment Materials

Ease of Use Continued

For each developmental skill assessed the following is included in Inside HELP

Definition Example of Observation Opportunities

Incidental Structured Credit + No Credit Emerging Skill +/Atypical Behaviors A

Credit Criteria

Adequacy of Items

The domains we tested were adequate in content They covered a wide range of skills for each key concept (strand) Gave an age range where the skills should emerge and develop

Reaction of Child

Helpful to have parent present Because of age of child-he was sometimes interested in doing another activity- not activity the examiner wanted him to do

Example: would not stack blocks, even though Mother knew it was a skill he had mastered

Cooperative; especially since we were strangers

Conclusion

HELP test good comprehensive test of the domain areas Best if used in the confines of a program In confines of program, test could be done through incidental observation of the child

Conclusion Continued

Test would be helpful to see development of child throughout periods of time Test would be very helpful in program planning: easy to identify next set of developmental skills, can use this information to plan specific experiences for the child