Preschool assessment is defined as the systematic observation and evaluation of children younger than school age typically children ages three to five years who have not yet entered kindergarten. The process may include the assessment of preacademic skills, language development, cognitive ability, social and emotional status, hearing and vision screening, and motor skills. The assessment of children in this age range presents unique challenges and a thorough understanding of the normal developmental patterns of young children is essential for accurate interpretation of assessment information. The results of preschool assessments do not have the reliability, or stability over time, seen in the evaluation of older [Page 396]children. Even so, when done with this caution in mind, assessment tools designed for young children can provide a broad ...