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
