Whether you are choosing a toddler assessment tool for the first time or are a seasoned professional, it is best to select a research- or evidenced-based test. There are many tools widely available to the public from educational retailers, websites and child development organizations. Although many of these assessments have merit, not all are created equally. Only tools that have been well researched and tested by qualified professionals should be considered for use with a toddler. Typically, an educational or child development specialist researcher with a doctoral degree creates and examines the tool well before making it public for use. These tools are then subject to multiple tests to determine the validity.
There are many different toddler assessment tools made available for multiple uses. In general, most tests typically determine a developmental delay in one, or more, of the main domains such as cognitive, social, emotional or physical growth. Some tools may have extended uses that include identifying problem behaviors or issues that may later affect schooling. These help to determine special education needs during the preschool years and possibly further down the road. Specialized toddler assessments may test for language abilities/difficulties or specific delays or examine one singular area of development.
While there are many different types of tools to assess toddlers with, there are some commonly used tests that many professionals rely on. These include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess the toddler's overall development or look at social-emotional abilities; the Denver Developmental Screening Test II that can help to determine or confirm developmental problems; the Bayley Neurodevelopmental Screen that tests the neurological development of young toddlers up to and including 24 months; the Child Development Review-Parent Questionnaire that uses parent-directed information to assess the toddler's development; and the Bzoch-League Receptive-Expressive-Language Test that can help to determine problem language issues.
The administration, or use, of a toddler assessment tool may vary depending on the specific needs and reason for testing. Some tools specifically call for a trained evaluation or early intervention professional to administer the assessment. This may include an early intervention specialist, home-care visitor, mental health worker, social worker, health care practitioner or other child development professional. Other times the test administrator can be a teacher or even a parent. For example, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire for toddlers requires some parent input but can also be used by a preschool or early childhood teacher.