Early Childhood Assessment

A new guide to conducting more comprehensive and meaningful psychological assessments of young children

Early Childhood Assessment presents a thorough, step-by-step approach to the comprehensive psychological assessment of young children. In addition to covering major psychological tests, this invaluable resource includes specific guidelines and formats for interviewing parents and other caregivers, observing children and caregiver-child interaction, conducting dynamic assessments, writing reports, and evaluating outcomes of recommended interventions.

Dr. Lidz's approach encourages a broad range of observation with an overarching objective of completing a picture of the "whole" child, from family life to social-emotional and neuropsychological functioning. She leads the reader through each step of a comprehensive assessment, touching on the major data sources necessary for a full understanding of the child within different environments. Throughout the book, Dr. Lidz advocates best assessment practices that reflect the interests of children and families.

Features useful information on:

• Conducting initial interviews and observations for setting the course of the assessment
• Using standardized and nonstandardized approaches to generate both qualitative and quantitative data
• Viewing children and families within their cultural contexts
• Integrating assessment data sources to generate meaningful recommendations and readable reports

Plus:

• Includes unique chapters on play, observation of parent-child and teacher-child interactions, and dynamic assessment

Early Childhood Assessment is a valuable tool for professionals and students who are concerned about the richness and complexity of children's development within their families and communities.