# Young in Inclusiv

## Assessing Young Children in Inclusive Settings

## The Blended Practices Approach Second Edition

by Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Ph.D., Jennifer Grisham, Ed.D., and Lynn D. Sullivan, M.Ed.

### Authors

**Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Ph.D.**  
Inclusion Thought Leader • Educators’ Educator • Fierce Play Advocate  
Inclusive Schooling, B2K Solutions, Ltd. and Inclusive Schooling, LLC, Hinckley, Ohio

**Jennifer Grisham, Ed.D.**  
Teacher Educator • Prolific Author • Administrative Sage  
University of Kentucky, Lexington

**Lynn D. Sullivan, M.Ed.**  
Systems Thinker • Strategic Connector • Path Finder  
LDS Consulting, Fort Worth, Texas

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## Contents
- About the Authors
- Forewords
- Acknowledgments
- Recommended Practices (Assessment Processes)
- Reasons for Conducting Assessment (Assessment Purposes)
- Special Topics in the Assessment of Young Children

## Section I: Recommended Practices (Assessment Processes)

### Chapter 1: Introduction
- **Why a Second Edition**: This edition aims to provide practical guidance on authentic assessment practices for all young children.
- **Major Themes of This Book**: Diversity in education, authenticity in assessments, and collaborative partnerships are highlighted.

### Chapter 2: Recommended Practices in Authentic Assessment
- **Authentic Assessment**: Defined and differentiated from conventional assessment, focusing on strengths and developmental needs.
- **Advantages and Evidence Base**: Describes the benefits of authentic assessment.

### Chapter 3: Family Involvement in the Assessment Process
- Importance of engaging families in assessments.

### Chapter 4: Recommended Practices for Determining Technical Adequacy
- Discusses validity and reliability of assessments.

### Chapter 5: Critical Decision-Making Practices
- Outlines five steps in the decision-making process based on assessment data.

## Section II: Reasons for Conducting Assessment (Assessment Purposes)

### Chapter 6: Assessment for Program Planning Purposes
- Discusses how to collect and utilize assessment data for effective program planning.

### Chapter 7: Assessment for Progress Monitoring Purposes
- Highlights holistic progress monitoring practices.

### Chapter 8: Recommended Practices in Identifying Children with Special Needs
- Discusses identification processes including Child Find and screening assessments.

## Section III: Special Topics in the Assessment of Young Children

### Chapter 10: Recommended Practices for Assessing Children Who Are Dual Language Learners
- Challenges and strategies for assessing children from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

### Chapter 11: Recommended Practices for Assessing Children with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
- Guidelines for evaluating young children with complex needs.

### Chapter 12: Kindergarten Assessment
- Emphasizes readiness evaluations and their impact in kindergarten settings.

## About the Authors

**Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Ph.D.**: An expert on supporting young children in inclusive settings with extensive experience in early childhood intervention.  
**Jennifer Grisham, Ed.D.**: Focuses on assessment in early childhood education and promotes inclusive practices.  
**Lynn D. Sullivan, M.Ed.**: Experienced in providing guidance to educational leaders and programs for children with disabilities.

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## Foreword
Acknowledges the transformative impact of the first edition and the continued need for effective assessment practices in blended classrooms.

## Acknowledgments
Thanks to contributors and collaborators who supported the development of this edition.

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## Summary
This book serves as a guide for early childhood educators in conducting meaningful assessments to improve educational practices and support all children.