| Purposes |
To strengthen teacher practices related to social-emotional development of infants and toddlers; guide professional development efforts; use in research and evaluation projects that seek to measure quality of caregiver support for social-emotional development in settings that serve infants and toddlers. |
| Products |
TPITOS Set (manual and 1 pack of 5 forms) TPITOS Manual TPITOS Forms (28-page form, sold in packs of 5) |
| Where it is conducted |
Center-based early childhood programs serving infants and toddlers—child care, Early Head Start, and early childhood special education classrooms |
| Who conducts it |
A trained observer (e.g., coaches, supervisors, master or mentor teachers, mental health consultants, education coordinators, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support coaches, center directors, research data collector) |
| When it is conducted |
Flexible administration based on program goals. Common practice includes at beginning, mid-point, and end of year. |
| Components of assessment |
2 hour-classroom observation carried out in at least 3 of the following routines: play, structured group, personal care, and outdoor activity) 15-20 minute interview with observed teacher |
| Types and number of items |
The tool is comprised of Items, or categories, of teacher behavior. There are 3 types of Items: a) Observational Items b) Interview Items c) Red Flags There are 13 Observational and Interview Items with 78 total Indicators. There are 11 Red Flags. |
| Sample item and responses |
Observational Item: Teacher promotes children's active engagement Indicator: Teacher makes positive and varied attempts to encourage unengaged children to become engaged in an activity. Response: Yes/No Interview Item: Teacher describes ways in which families are provided information about social-emotional development. Response: Yes/No Red Flag Item: Teacher seldom makes eye contact with children during interactions. Response: Yes/No |
| Time to administer |
Approximately 2.5 hours including observation and interview |
| Time to score |
30-45 minutes |
| Scores provided |
2 percentage scores 1) Observation and Interview Items—Percentage of Indicators scored Yes. 2) Red Flags—Percentage of Red Flags scored Yes. |
| Training |
Reliability training is highly recommended for observers. Training will be offered through Brookes On Location. |
| Research |
The TPITOS has undergone significant field testing and revision through ongoing collaboration with an extensive national network of professionals who support infant and toddler programs. |