Purpose: To evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the novel Means-End Problem-Solving Assessment Tool (MEPSAT). Methods: Children with typical development and those with motor delay were assessed throughout the first 2 years of life using the MEPSAT. MEPSAT scores were validated against the cognitive and motor subscales of the…

Currently, there are few strengths-based preschool rating scales that sample a wide array of behaviors believed to be essential for early academic success. The purpose of this study was to assess the factor structure of a new measure of early academic competence for at-risk preschool populations. The Teacher Rating Scales of Early Academic…

The reliable diagnosis of Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder in pre-school children is important for access to early intervention and for accurate ascertainment for research. This paper explores the combined use of two standardised assessment instruments--the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule…

Accurate identification of young children at risk for mental health problems is a key step in establishing early childhood preventive intervention programs. Without psychometrically valid identification procedures, children in need of early intervention may not be identified and may not receive appropriate care. This article provides a review of…

This study investigated measurement integrity of the Inventory of Parent Experiences, using parents of 66 intact families, half including children with handicaps. Results were unsupportive of the hypothesis that subscale and subsubscale scores have requisite measurement characteristics. Results with IPE total scores were more favorable and…

Qualities of strong families of children with disabilities are described, and assessment tools for measuring these strengths are reviewed. Empirical evidence for the reliability and validity of the Family Functioning Style Scale (FFSS) is presented, along with discussion of psychometric aspects of the test. Guidelines for FFSS use in interventions…

This study examined psychometric properties and usefulness of the Evaluation and Programming System: Assessment Level I (EPS-I) by analyzing validity, reliability, and utility data from 335 nonhandicapped, at-risk, and handicapped infants and young children. Outcomes portrayed EPS-I as a valid, reliable, and helpful instrument for developing and…

A study found the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Family-Centeredness Rating Scale was effective in evaluating 100 IFSPs from four different agencies. The highest rated items were identifying the family's role and writing in the active voice. More child-related goals were written compared to family-related goals. (Author/CR)

Thirty children (under 24 months of age) referred to an early intervention program were administered 3 developmental assessments. Although the Griffiths' Mental Development Scales correlated well with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, the Griffiths' age equivalents were considerably higher than the…

This article discusses issues relevant to the clinical assessment of parent-child interaction in the context of early intervention and clinical infant services. Issues discussed include factors contributing to the call for parent-child assessments, reliability and validity of parent-child assessment instruments, and interpretability of data…

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated the effectiveness of the Preschool and Early Childhood Functional Assessment Scale (PECFAS) Screener, an assessment designed to assist in the early identification of mental health concerns in preschool-aged children. Formed in 1993, the Putting All Communities Together 4 Families…

This paper discusses the first year results of a screening procedure used to identify 92 kindergarten and first grade children who were at risk of developing serious emotional disturbance (SED), and presents additional data on the predictive validity of the screening procedure one year later. The Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD)…

This study used data from 992 cases in 16 longitudinal studies of the Early Intervention Research Institute to evaluate five measures of family functioning: (1) Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-III; (2) Family Support Scale; (3) Family Resources Scale; (4) Parenting Stress Index; and (5) Family Inventory of Life Events.…