Dr. Daniel: High quality early childhood programs assess children’s learning to ensure that the curriculum is meeting young children’s needs. Curriculum and assessment occur in a never-ending cycle that allows teachers and parents to gather evidence of a child's progress in skill development as well as the understanding of concepts.

If parents or teachers suspect developmental delays, a developmental screening can let them know if a further diagnostic evaluation is necessary. The input of a specialist combined with the observations of parents and teachers can be used to further individualize the child’s learning environment to maximize their growth and all around development.

No one test or assessment should be used to determine a young child's future involvement in educational activities. NAEYC feels that high-stakes testing should not be employed among young children prior to the third grade. Young children are not reliable test-takers.