The Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP) is a comprehensive, criterion-referenced assessment tool designed for children from birth to 6 years old. It is comprised of two main instruments: HELP: 0-3 Years (2006) and HELP: 3-6 Years (2010), the latter building upon the foundation of the former to cater to older preschoolers. An earlier iteration, the Help for Special Preschoolers Assessment Checklist (HSPAC), evolved into what is now recognized as the HELP: 3-6 Years, 2nd Edition (2010).
The HELP: 0-3 is meticulously structured around 685 developmental skills and behaviors, providing a robust framework for the continuous process of assessment, educational planning, and monitoring developmental progress in very young children. Expanding upon this, the HELP: 3-6, 2nd Edition incorporates 585 developmental skills and behaviors, ensuring a seamless progression in assessment as children grow. Both versions assess key developmental Domains including Cognitive development, Language development, Gross Motor skills, Fine Motor skills, Social-Emotional development, and Self-Help skills. These domains and their specific strands are thoughtfully aligned with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) outcomes and Head Start school readiness goals, ensuring relevance and applicability within broader early childhood education frameworks.
Within the HELP framework, Domains are further broken down into Strands, and each Strand consists of specific, observable skills. Unique Skill ID Numbers are assigned to each skill to facilitate easy linking between assessment results and relevant curriculum materials. It is crucial to understand that HELP is not a norm-referenced test and is not intended for use in determining eligibility for special services. Instead, its strength lies in its ability to effectively track a child’s progress throughout interventions and educational programs.
Data collection for both the HELP: 0-3 and HELP: 3-6 can be achieved through various methods tailored to the child’s abilities and context. These methods include direct observation of the child in different settings, structured interviews with parents or caregivers to gather insights into the child’s typical behaviors, and play-based interactions designed to elicit specific skills and responses. This flexible approach is particularly valuable when working with young children who may not be able to fully participate in more standardized or formal academic assessments. The HELP system is composed of several components, including detailed Checklists, progress Charts, skill Strands, and practical Activity Guides, offering a complete suite of tools for early childhood professionals.
In summary, the Hawaii Early Learning Profile offers a valuable and versatile approach to assessing young children’s development.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Age Range: Birth to 6 years
- Administration Time: Variable, depending on the number of areas assessed and the chosen method of administration.
- Method: Criterion-referenced assessment; not standardized. Covers 685 skills (birth–3 yrs.) and 585 skills (3–6 yrs.). Administered through observation, parent interview, or play interaction.
- Outcomes: Yields Developmental Age Levels (DAL) for each skill assessed, typically reported as ranges.
- Subscales: Assesses Regulatory/Sensory Organization; Cognitive, Language, Gross-Motor, Fine-Motor, Social-Emotional, and Self-Help skills.
