Testing in Prekindergarten
Prekindergarten student tests
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Students enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) PreK: Family and Early Childhood Education Program (FECEP)/Head Start classes are assessed to monitor their early skill development. Required tests for FCPS PreK: FECEP/Head Start students are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name.
Assessment dates and delivery format for 2020-21 are subject to change due to shifts in school operations.
| Test Name | Requirement Source | Content Tested | Purpose of Test | Time Needed* | Schedule** | Format | Results Distribution |
| Ages and Stages Questionnaire | State | Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social Skills | To identify gaps in foundational skills and identify students who may be in need of additional supports | Approx. 30 minutes total | Within 45 days of enrollment | At-Home (online teacher interview with parent) | Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) |
Federal and State |
Social-Emotional Skills | To measure development of social-emotional skills | Approx. 30 minutes total |
Sept. 8 to Oct. 30 April 5 to June 11 OR within 45 days of enrollment |
At-Home (online teacher interview with parent) | Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Early Childhood Rubric | Division | Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical and Social-Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning | To measure development across a broad range of skills | Approx. 30 minutes total |
Jan. 11 to Jan. 29 Mar. 15 to April 9 June 1 to June 11 |
At-Home (online teacher observation and collection of work samples) | Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening PreK (PreK PALS) |
State ONLY for students who will transition to kindergarten in the next school year |
Phonological Awareness, Literacy | To identify gaps in foundational literacy skills and measure progress | Approx. 30 minutes total |
Sept. 9 to Nov. 13 April 19 to June 4 |
In-Person or At-Home (online student interaction) |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| PreK Progress Summary Forms | Division | Literacy, Numeracy, Social Skills | To provide parents/guardians and caregivers quarterly updates on student strengths and strategies to support at home | Ongoing |
Oct. 19 to Oct. 30 Jan. 11 to Jan. 22 Mar. 15 to Mar. 26 June 1 to June 11 |
At-Home (online teacher observation) | Distributed to parents/guardians at the end of each quarter |
* The amount of time needed for testing varies by student. All times are estimates.
** Schedule dates represent the window of time during which tests may be given. Each school sets and communicates the specific date for each test.