Study Guide

Early Childhood Special Education
Test Design and Framework

The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Format Computer-based test (CBT) and online-proctored test
Number of Questions 100 multiple-choice questions
Time* 2 hours
Passing Score 220

*Does not include 15-minute tutorial

Test Framework

 

Content Domain Range of Competencies Approximate Percentage of Test Score
I. Understanding Young Children with Disabilities 0001–0003 19%
II. Assessment and Program Planning 0004–0005 13%
III. Promoting Development and Learning 0006–0013 50%
IV. Foundations and Professional Practice 0014–0016 18%

Domain I–Understanding Young Children with Disabilities

Competency 0001–Understand the significance of disabilities for young children's development.

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Competency 0002–Understand the characteristics and needs of young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0003–Understand factors that affect learning in young children with disabilities.

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Domain II–Assessment and Program Planning

Competency 0004–Understand assessment concepts, tools, and procedures used by multidisciplinary teams to evaluate individual differences and make placement and programming decisions for young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0005–Understand strategies and procedures for developing, implementing, monitoring, and amending Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for young children with disabilities.

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Domain III–Promoting Development and Learning

Competency 0006–Understand how to create a safe, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0007–Understand how to use developmentally appropriate individual and group guidance strategies to provide an atmosphere that enhances development and learning in young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0008–Understand how to promote the social-emotional development of young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0009–Understand how to promote the communication development of young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0010–Understand how to promote the development of adaptive skills in young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0011–Understand how to promote the cognitive development of young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0012–Understand how to promote the physical development of young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0013–Understand how to promote the development of emergent concepts and skills in various areas of the curriculum in young children with disabilities.

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Domain IV–Foundations and Professional Practice

Competency 0014–Understand how to establish partnerships with others in the school and community to enhance learning opportunities for young children with disabilities.

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Competency 0015–Understand how to promote strong partnerships with parents/guardians.

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Competency 0016–Understand the history and philosophy of early childhood special education, the regulatory history of special education practice, legal and ethical issues relevant to the education of young children with disabilities, and the professional roles and responsibilities of early childhood special education teachers.

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