DRDP© in ChildPlus: Early Childhood Education Professional & Federal Reviewer’s Point of View

From a two-year-old teacher to Head Start reviewer, my name is Elisha Hood, DRDP© Account Executive with ChildPlus Software, and I would like to tell you about the DRDP© birth-to-five child assessment available in ChildPlus.

The DRDP© (Desired Results Developmental Profile) is a strength-based assessment that focuses on a child’s developmental strengths. The Office of Head Start requires Head Start and Early Head Start programs to use an observation-based assessment tool that is valid, reliable, research-based, as well as culturally and linguistically appropriate.  Not only does the DRDP meets all of those requirements but it also includes domains that meet the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) child outcome reporting requirements for children with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Assessments must also be Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) aligned.  Check out how the DRDP is aligned to Head Start ELOF to the Infant/Toddler assessment and the Preschool assessment.  

 One of the best parts of the DRDP is that it’s available directly in ChildPlus.  This means agency’s data is all in the same database allowing agencies to analyze their data themselves without having to hire expensive consultants to do it for them.  Managers and Directors can now easily determine how various factors impact child development within their own community.

I’ve had a variety of roles in early education during my career, such as:

With my many roles in early education and Head Start, I can honestly say the DRDP© is the most user-friendly, easily comprehended, and stress-free assessment tool I’ve had the pleasure of utilizing.  And, I thoroughly enjoy presenting the benefits of the DRDP for Head Start/Early Head Start agencies across the country. I’m not saying that because I work at ChildPlus. I’m saying that as an experienced Early Childhood Education Professional.

The DRDP© focuses on a child’s developmental strengths and not so much on what a child should be mastering a certain age. As an educator, the first learned rule of development is, we don’t all develop at the same time, rate or pace. I believe the DRDP removes those stigmas and allows early educators to focus more on what children “can do” rather than “what they should” be doing at a specific age.

Because the DRDP© was designed to assess on a developmental continuum, meaning you’re always building on those strengths, it’s great for children who are dual language learners and children with a special concerns or needs.

I’ve had the pleasure of showcasing the assessment to many Head Start and Early Head Start programs via personal demo or webcast and each time I learn something new and great about this tool.

The DRDP© in ChildPlus, software design plays a huge factor in making the assessment a great tool. What do I mean? Well, in addition to the user-friendly features, easy setup and navigation, and the wonderful reports, ChildPlus is still creating ways to make the software even better.

How you ask? By listening to you, the user!

A feature I like and will prove to be beneficial for programs using the assessment is the option to “Elect Not to Rate” a child for a specific assessment period.

The” Elect Not to Rate” option of the DRDP allows a program to remove a child’s assessment based on set criteria such as chronic absence, late enrollment or COVID-19.

This will be very beneficial under the modified Head Start performance standards for programs experiencing chronic absences due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

For the 2020-2021 school year, the Office of Head Start has stated, “During the upcoming program year, programs should make every effort to complete the required assessments of children. Understanding child progress during the year is important for individualizing and understanding the effect of instruction. However, it may be more difficult to complete direct or observation-based assessments of children in the upcoming program year. Programs are also encouraged to consult the assessment vendor for adaptations and guidance on how to use the assessment tool in various environments. Programs will not be penalized if they are not able to complete all assessments of children during the 2020-2021 program year.” §1302.33 Child screenings and assessments

During the 2020-2021 program year, are programs required to aggregate and analyze child assessment data at least three times during the year?

“Programs are encouraged to analyze and aggregate assessment data, if available. Understanding child progress at points in the program year is important for individualizing for children and for program planning. However, programs will not be penalized if they are not able to complete this process as described in the HSPPS during the upcoming program year. Programs are reminded to document decisions made regarding when and how to complete child assessments.”

§1302.102(c)(2)(ii) Using data for continuous improvement

When initially hired for this position as DRDP© Account Executive, I didn’t know what to expect. I had zero sales experience but lots of assessment knowledge and expertise. I was eager to learn everything about this new assessment in ChildPlus and how it works. And, ChildPlus was eager to hear my thoughts about the assessment and implement changes I requested. 

Now that I’ve shared my professional and personal thoughts on the DRDP assessment in ChildPlus, let us show you how the DRDP can streamline your assessment process!

Contact us and ask for a demo today!