An overall rationale for the early identification of strengths and possible developmental weaknesses in school beginners is presented in Part I, with the research-based areas of assessment of tests for auditory analysis skills, conceptual skills and language skills. The general purposes of diagnostic assessment and a model of a behavioral…

This article discusses the assessment of language and cognitive development as reflected in preschool activities and describes the Preschool Language-Cognitive Assessment for Curriculum Entry (PLACE). Five task-skill areas associated with common preschool activities (building with blocks, completing puzzles, pounding pegs, etc) are identified. How…