The Learning Accomplishment Profile (LAP) System is a comprehensive approach to understanding and facilitating the development of young children. The materials can be used to address requirements for any early childhood program, such as those described in the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. This curriculum model is grounded in early childhood research that recognizes young children as active partners in the learning process by

Emphasizing the value of child choice and responsive teaching. Promoting individualization and respect for each child’s unique qualities Including activities to help children understand and respect diversity (culture, gender, abilities) Emphasizing the importance of family and community Promoting inclusion of children with disabilities

The LAP System Includes:

LAP System products and training are available through our publishing partners: Kaplan Early Learning Company, HATCH and Red-E-Set-Grow.

Screening

	Screening instruments provide teachers with a quick, standardized method of determining if individual children require further evaluation to address unmet needs that may interfere with their ability to learn. The LAP System includes the LAP-D Screens, normed-referenced, developmentally appropiate screens for 3-, 4-, and 5-year old children. The LAP-D Screens are available in English and Spanish.

Assessments

In order to plan ongoing, developmentally appropriate learning activities for children, early childhood educators should first assess individual skill development in each of the primary developmental domains: language, cognition, social-emotional, and fine and gross motor. Through the assessment process, a profile of acquired and emerging skills can be established as well as significant gaps, which may indicate a need for an in-depth evaluation by specialized professionals. LAP assessment instruments can be used for beginning, mid-, and end-of-year observations of a child’s progress as well as for ongoing assessment. The LAP System includes three assessment instruments:

The Early LAP, a criterion-referenced instrument, for children functioning in the birth to 36-month age range. The LAP-3, a criterion-referenced instrument for children functioning in the 36-72 month age range. The LAP-D, a norm-referenced instrument for children functioning in the 30-72 month age range.

The Early LAP, LAP-3 and LAP-D are available in English and Spanish. The kits for each instrument contains examiner manuals, technical manuasl and criteria for scoring, scoring booklets, and all the items necessary for administering the assessment.<Back to top>

Software

The LAP software assists early childhood professionals in analyzing data for both individuals and groups of children. The LAP software generates:

Individual assessment results and summaries Classroom profiles Parent reports Group progress charts Links to developmentally appropriate activities Individual, classroom, and center analyses of assessment results in relation to the Head Start Child Outcome

Computer scoring assistant software is now available for all three assessment instruments (Early LAP, LAP-3, LAP-D) either in a web-based or CD-Rom format. An electronic scoring protocol is also available using a Palm Pilot application. For additional information on LAP software development, go to http://www.redesetgrow.com--<Back to top>

Curriculum Materials

Assessment results help prepare and facilitate the design of learning activities that will meet the needs of individual children as well as the entire classroom. The LAP System includes curriculum guides and activity cards for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children that correlate with the LAP assessment instruments. Activities can be linked to emerging skills identified during the assessment process to facilitate a child’s developmental progress. Curriculum materials include:

Children with Disabilities

All LAP System materials are designed to support the inclusion of children with disabilities and developmental delays in early childhood settings. In addition, a publication entitled, Inclusive Preschool Environments: Strategies for Planning, is available to assist preschool teachers in designing inclusive environments and activities. Information about typical and atypical development, inclusive teaching methods that encourage active child participation, and strategies for integrating individual goals and objectives into daily classroom planning are contained in this publication.<Back to top>

Parent Involvement

Involving parents in the learning process is critical to the success of any early childhood program. The LAP assessment instruments provide information for teachers to share with parents that is accurate and easily understood. Parents are often encouraged to be present while their child is being assessed, and their suggestions and input is valued as part of the assessment process. To reinforce learning activities in the home, the LAP System includes:

Summary reports that identify emerging skills for each LAP assessment instruments Homestretch, a book of fun and meaningful activities for parents to use at home that correlate with the 36 thematic units in A Planning Guide to the Preschool Curriculum.<Back to top>

Transition

Without effective transition strategies, gains made by children in one setting may be lost when they transition to the next placement. The LAP System can be used to support important transitions for young children such as moving from infant and toddler settings to preschool, or from preschool to public school kindergarten. For example, Smooth Moves to Kindergarten includes strategies for program administrators and teachers, community leaders, and parents to use in helping children, including those with disabilities, make the move from preschool to public school kindergarten.<Back to top>

Program Evaluation

To ensure the delivery of high quality services, early childhood programs need instruments that test the effectiveness of service delivery. They want to know if the children in their care are progressing appropriately. With outcome statements embedded in the LAP assessment instruments, early childhood educators need only administer one of the assessment at the beginning, middle, and end of the program year to track child progress and monitor program and curriculum effectiveness. Also, LAP software generates reports for classrooms, schools, and educations systems to help examine program quality. <Back to top>