AEPS Criteria Birth To 3

TM
Child Observation
Data Recording Form with Criteria I
Birth to Three Years
Childs name:
Childs date of birth:
Todays date:
Familys name and address:
Name of person completing form:
Directions: Before using the Child Observation Data Recording Form, it is necessary to review the
material beginning on page 45 of Volume 1 and the material beginning on page 21 of Volume
2. Methods of collecting child performance data as well as scoring procedures and guidelines are
described. Child Observation Data Recording Form items should only be scored by comparing a
childs performance on each item with each items stated associated criterion. To score items with-
out comparing a childs performance with stated criteria will invalidate the test results.
Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children (AEPS), Second Edition, edited by Diane Bricker
2002 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Child Observation Data Recording Form with Criteria I: Fine Motor Area
FINE MOTOR AREA
S = Scoring key N = Notes

2 = Consistently meets criterion A = Assistance provided
1 = Inconsistently meets criterion B = Behavior interfered
0 = Does not meet criterion D = Direct test
M = Modification/adaptation
Q = Quality of performance
R = Report
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
A. Reach Grasp, and Release
1. Simultaneously brings hands to midline

CRITERION Child brings hands to the middle of the
body at the same time.
1.1 Makes directed batting and/or swiping

movements with each hand
CRITERION Child bats or swipes at objects with the
left and right hand. Child may miss the object. The
hand should not be fisted.
1.2 Makes nondirected movements with each

arm
CRITERION Child makes nondirected movements
with the left and the right arm when an object is
present.
2. Brings two objects together at or near midline

CRITERION Child brings two hand-size objects (e.g.,
block, spoon, rattle) together at or near the middle of
the body.
2.1 Transfers object from one hand to the

other
CRITERION Child moves object from one hand to
the other hand.
2.2 Holds an object in each hand

CRITERION Child holds one object in each hand at
the same time.
2.3 Reaches toward and touches object with

each hand
CRITERION Child reaches for and touches object
with the left hand and the right hand.
3. Grasps hand-size object with either hand using

ends of thumb, index, and second fingers
CRITERION Child grasps hand-size object by the
fingers so that the pads of the fingers touch the pad of
the thumb. Object is not resting in palm.
Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children (AEPS), Second Edition, edited by Diane Bricker 2002 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
3.1 Grasps hand-size object with either hand

using the palm, with object placed toward
the thumb and index finger
CRITERION Child grasps hand-size objects with
either hand using the palm. Fingers are closed
around object; thumb is rotated toward fingers.
3.2 Grasps cylindrical object with either hand

by closing fingers around it
CRITERION Child grasps cylindrical object (e.g.,
crayon, spoon, rattle) with either hand by closing
fingers around it.
3.3 Grasps hand-size object with either hand

using whole hand
CRITERION Child holds object in center of palm with
fingers closed around it. Child may use either hand.
4. Grasps pea-size object with either hand using

tip of the index finger and thumb with hand
and/or arm not resting on surface for support
CRITERION Child grasps pea-size object with hand
using tip of the index finger and thumb. Pea-size object
(e.g., raisin, Cheerio, small peg) is not held against
palm; hand and/or arm is not supported; tip of thumb
is rotated toward the index finger.
4.1 Grasps pea-size object with either hand using

tip of the index finger and thumb with hand
and/or arm resting on surface for support
CRITERION Child grasps pea-size object with either
hand using tip of index finger and thumb. Pea-size
object is not held against palm; the hand and/or
arm can rest on surface; tip of thumb is rotated
toward the index finger.
4.2 Grasps pea-size object with either hand

using side of the index finger and thumb
CRITERION Child grasps pea-size object with either
hand using side of index finger and thumb. Fingers
not used for grasping are held loosely curled but do
not flex and extend while grasping.
4.3 Grasps pea-size object with either hand

using fingers in a raking and/or scratching
movement
CRITERION Child grasps pea-size object using some
or all fingers in a raking and/or scratching
movement. The whole arm may move.
5. Aligns and stacks objects (p. 41)

CRITERION Child arranges at least three objects
(e.g., blocks, cars, plates, stacking rings, books, small
chairs) in a line and stacks at least three objects on top
of each other.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
5.1 Aligns objects

CRITERION Child arranges at least three objects in
a line.
5.2 Places and releases object balanced on

top of another object with either hand
CRITERION Child may use either hand to align, bal-
ance, and release object (e.g., a block on another
block, a can on another can), without knocking it over.
5.3 Releases hand-held object onto and/or

into a larger target with either hand
CRITERION Child voluntarily releases hand-held
object (e.g., a block) onto and/or into a larger target
(e.g., a container) with either the left or right hand.
5.4 Releases hand-held object with each hand

CRITERION Child voluntarily releases hand-held
object with the left hand and the right hand.
B. Functional Use of Fine Motor Skills

1. Rotates either wrist on horizontal plane
CRITERION Child rotates either wrist to turn and/or
twist an object (e.g., removes lid from jar, turns water
faucet knob, manipulates toy nuts and bolts).
1.1 Turns object over using wrist and arm

rotation with each hand
CRITERION Child turns wrist and forearm so that
the hand is brought from palm down position to
palm up position and back again (e.g., brings spoon
to mouth, turns page of book). Behavior must be
observed with the left hand and the right hand.
2. Assembles toy and/or object that require(s)

putting pieces together
CRITERION Child assembles toy and/or object by
putting pieces together (e.g., puts top on bottle, puts
pop beads together, assembles puzzles).
2.1 Fits variety of shapes into corresponding

spaces
CRITERION Child completes simple puzzle (one
shape to one hole). Adult may point to the
corresponding space if necessary.
2.2 Fits object into defined space

CRITERION Child fits small object into defined
space (e.g., puts toy car into garage, puts doll in toy
bed, puts people figures into toy bus).
3. Uses either index finger to activate objects

CRITERION Child uses either the left or the right
extended index finger to activate objects (e.g., dials
telephone, pushes buttons and squeakers on Busy Box,
pushes elevator button).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
3.1 Uses either hand to activate objects

CRITERION Child uses either hand to activate
objects (e.g., honks horn, flips light switch,
manipulates Busy Box).
4. Orients picture book correctly and turns pages

one by one (p. 44)
CRITERION Child holds a picture book with paper
pages right side up with the front cover facing upward
and turns pages one by one from the beginning of the
book to the end.
4.1 Turns pages of books

CRITERION Child grasps edges of paper book
pages and turns without tearing or ripping.
4.2 Turns/holds picture book right side up

CRITERION Child holds a picture book right side
up, turning it if necessary to orient the pictures
upright.
5. Copies simple written shapes after

demonstration
CRITERION Child copies simple written shapes (e.g.,
cross, square) after demonstration. Shape should
resemble the demonstrated model. Any writing
implement is acceptable (e.g., chalk, crayon, marker,
paintbrush).
5.1 Draws circles and lines

CRITERION Child draws circular shapes and makes
linear strokes. Lines do not need to be perfectly
straight.
5.2 Scribbles
CRITERION Child scribbles (i.e., makes back-and-
forth marks or strokes). Tapping (i.e., dotting
motion) with writing implement on paper is not
considered scribbling.
An Area Raw Score can be computed by adding all of the 2 and 1 scores entered in the S column for a specific test period.
To compute the Area Percent Score: divide the Area Raw Score by the Area Raw Score Possible, then multiply by 100.
Test date
Area Raw Score
RESULTS
Area Raw Score Possible 66 66 66 66
Area Percent Score
FINE MOTOR AREA
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
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EXAMINER: DATE:
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EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
Child Observation Data Recording Form with Criteria I: Gross Motor Area
GROSS MOTOR AREA

R = Report
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
A. Movement and Locomotion in Supine and
Supine and Prone Position
1. Turns head, moves arms, and kicks legs

independently of each other
CRITERION Child moves arms, legs, and head
independently of each other when on back. Legs
should move alternately.
Child should not turn head only to one side or to one
side consistently more than the other.
Arms and/or legs should not be stiffly extended.
Child should not move one arm and/or leg
consistently more than the other.
1.1 Turns head past 45 to the right and left

from midline position
CRITERION When on back with the head in midline
position, child turns head past 45 to the right and
to the left.
When head turns, child should not assume an
asymmetrical tonic neck reflex position (arm
toward back of head flexed, arm toward face
extended) after 4 months of age.
Child should not turn head to one side only or
turn head to one side consistently more than the
other.
1.2 Kicks legs

CRITERION When on back, child kicks legs
alternately.
Child should not kick with one leg more vigorously
than the other.
Child should not consistently kick with legs
together (e.g., knees touching).
Legs should not consistently cross during kicking
1.3 Waves arms

CRITERION When on back, child waves arms. Arms
should move freely in all directions.
Child should not consistently move head from side
to side when waving arms.
Hands should not be tightly fisted after 4 months
of age.
Arms should not be stiffly extended.
Child should not consistently move one arm more
than the other.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
2. Rolls by turning segmentally from stomach to

back and from back to stomach
CRITERION Child rolls by shifting weight to one side of
the body, leading with head, shoulder, or hip.
Child should not arch back or throw head backward
when rolling.
Legs should not cross while child is rolling.
Child should not consistently catch arm under trunk
after rolling from back.
Child should not roll in one direction only.
2.1 Rolls from back to stomach

CRITERION Child rolls from back to stomach by
shifting weight to one side of the body, leading with
head, shoulder, or hip.
Child should not arch back or throw head
backward when rolling.
Legs should not cross while child is rolling.
Child should not consistently catch arm under
trunk after rolling from back.
2.2 Rolls from stomach to back

CRITERION Child rolls from stomach to back by
shifting weight to one side of the body, leading with
head, shoulder, or hip.
When attempting to roll, child should not arch
back and neck with arms held at sides.
Child should not cross legs while rolling.
3. Creeps forward using alternating arm and leg

movements
CRITERION Child moves forward at least 6 feet on
hands and knees. Child bears weight on hands and
knees and moves one arm and opposite leg, then other
arm and opposite leg. Stomach remains lifted off
surface.
3.1 Rocks while in a creeping position

CRITERION While in a creeping position (both
hands and knees on surface, stomach lifted off
surface), child rocks back and forth at least two
consecutive times.
3.2 Assumes creeping position

CRITERION Child assumes creeping position with
both hands and knees on surface and stomach
lifted off surface.
3.3 Crawls forward on stomach

CRITERION Child moves forward with stomach
touching the surface, pulling with both arms, and
supporting weight on hands and/or arms. Legs
alternately bend and straighten, but do not cross,
as child moves forward at least 2 feet.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
3.4 Pivots on stomach

CRITERION Child pivots 180 in each direction in a
semi-circle when on stomach.
3.5 Bears weight on one hand and/or arm

while reaching with opposite hand
CRITERION When on stomach, child bears weight
on one hand and/or arm while reaching with
opposite hand. Behavior must be observed with
each hand.
3.6 Lifts head and chest off surface with

weight on arms
CRITERION Child lifts head and chest off surface,
with weight on bent or straight arms, keeping head
in midline. Knees and legs should not be crossed.
B. Balance in Sitting
1. Assumes balanced sitting position
CRITERION From any position (e.g., standing,
creeping, lying down), the child moves to a sitting
position on a flat surface without support.
Note A child should not be placed in or encouraged to

use a W sitting position (e.g., childs buttocks on floor
between legs).
1.1 Assumes hands and knees position from

sitting
CRITERION From a sitting position, child moves to
a hands and knees position using body rotation
(i.e., reaches across the body with either the right or
left arm and shifts weight to knees).
1.2 Regains balanced, upright sitting position

after reaching across the body to the right
and to the left
CRITERION When sitting, child regains a balanced,
upright sitting position after reaching across the
body to the right and to the left.
Child should not regain balanced, upright sitting
position from one side better than the other.
When regaining sitting position, childs hands
should not fist on either side.
1.3 Regains balanced, upright sitting position

after leaning to the left, to the right, and
forward
CRITERION When sitting, child regains a balanced,
upright sitting position after leaning to the left, to
the right, and forward.
Child should not regain a balanced, upright sitting
position from one side better than the other.
When regaining sitting position, childs hands
should not fist on either side.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
1.4 Sits balanced without support

CRITERION Child sits in a balanced position with
back straight and hands not touching the surface
for at least 30 seconds.
1.5 Sits balanced using hands for support

CRITERION When placed in sitting position, child
balances using hands for support and holding head
in midline for at least 60 seconds.
1.6 Holds head in midline when in supported

sitting position
CRITERION When sitting in a supported position,
child holds head in midline for at least 30 seconds.
Child should not consistently sit with back rounded.
2. Sits down in and gets out of chair

CRITERION Child maneuvers self to sit down in and
get out of child-size chair.
2.1 Sits down in chair

CRITERION Child maneuvers self to sit down in
child-size chair.
2.2 Maintains a sitting position in chair

CRITERION Child maintains unsupported, balanced
sitting position in child-size chair.
C. Balance and Mobility

1. Walks avoiding obstacles
CRITERION When walking unsupported, child moves
to avoid obstacles (e.g., toys, furniture, people).
1.1 Walks without support

CRITERION Child walks unsupported for at least 6
feet. Childs head is erect and in midline, and back
is straight.
1.2 Walks with one-hand support

CRITERION Child walks forward at least 15 feet
when holding onto support with one hand. Childs
head is erect and in midline, and back is straight.
1.3 Walks with two-hand support

CRITERION Child walks forward at least 15 feet
when holding onto support with two hands. Childs
Child bends one knee and lifts foot off the ground,
placing it next to and in front of the opposite foot.
Opposite foot remains slightly bent and in contact
with the floor.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
1.4 Stands unsupported

CRITERION Child stands unsupported for at least
30 seconds. Childs head is erect and in midline,
and back is straight. Knees are slightly bent and
feet are directly under hips and flat on floor.
1.5 Cruises
CRITERION Child cruises (side-steps) at least 3 feet
to the left and to the right, holding onto a stable
support that is approximately chest height. Childs
2. Stoops and regains balanced standing

position without support
CRITERION After stooping or squatting, child regains a
balanced standing position without using a support or
sitting down.
2.1 Rises from sitting position to standing

position
CRITERION Child rises from a sitting position to a
standing position without support.
2.2 Pulls to standing position

CRITERION Child pulls to standing position from
sitting, kneeling, and/or creeping position using
support.
2.3 Pulls to kneeling position

CRITERION Child pulls to a kneeling position from
a sitting and/or creeping position by holding onto
support with both hands. Child moves one knee
close to the support, then the other knee.
3. Runs avoiding obstacles

CRITERION Child avoids obstacles when running.
3.1 Runs
CRITERION Child runs smoothly. Childs trunk is
inclined slightly forward, arms swing freely, and
there is a momentary period where there is no
support by either leg.
3.2 Walks fast

CRITERION Child walks fast. Motion differs from a
run in that the body appears stiff (i.e., knees flex
only slightly and one foot is always on floor).
4. Walks up and down stairs

CRITERION Child walks up and down stairs, holding or
not holding rail or wall with one hand, alternating or
not alternating feet.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
4.1 Walks up and down stairs using two-hand

support
CRITERION Child walks up and down stairs using
two-hand support (e.g., holding railings, holding
adults hands), alternating or not alternating feet.
4.2 Moves up and down stairs

CRITERION Child creeps, crawls, and/or scoots on
buttocks up and down stairs.
4.3 Gets up and down from low structure

CRITERION Child climbs onto and gets off a low,
stable structure (e.g., low step, raised platform).
D. Play Skills
1. Jumps forward
CRITERION Child jumps forward with feet together
(e.g., child jumps over rope, stick, chalk line).
1.1 Jumps up
CRITERION Child jumps up with feet together.
1.2 Jumps from low structure

CRITERION Child jumps from a low, stable
structure (e.g., low step, raised platform, curb) to
a supporting surface. Feet do not have to land
together.
2. Pedals and steers tricycle

CRITERION When sitting on a tricycle with feet on
pedals, child pedals and steers tricycle forward for at
least 5 feet.
2.1 Pushes riding toy with feet while steering

CRITERION When sitting on a riding toy with feet
on surface, child pushes with feet while steering for
at least 5 feet.
2.2 Sits on riding toy or in wagon while adult

pushes
CRITERION Child maintains balanced sitting
position on riding toy or in wagon without support
while adult steers and pushes toy or pulls wagon for
at least 5 feet.
3. Catches, kicks, throws, and rolls ball or similar

object
CRITERION Child performs the following play skills:
Catches ball or similar object
Kicks ball or similar object
Throws ball or similar object at target
Rolls ball at target
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
Note Child must score a 2 in Objective 3.1 through

Objective 3.4 in order to score a 2 on Goal 3. If the
child scores a 1 and/or a 0 on some objectives, then
Goal 3 should be scored as a 1. If the child scores a 0
on all objectives, then Goal 3 should be scored as a 0.
3.1 Catches ball or similar object

CRITERION When a large object is tossed to child,
child catches the object with two hands. Child can
be in any position that is functional for the child.
3.2 Kicks ball or similar object

CRITERION While standing and when object is in
front of childs feet, child kicks object forward with
one foot while maintaining balance.
3.3 Throws ball or similar object at target

CRITERION In any position that is functional, child
throws object forward with one or two hands within
18 inches of target. Object can be thrown overhand
or underhand.
3.4 Rolls ball at target

CRITERION In any position that is functional, child
rolls ball with one or two hands within 18 inches of
target.
4. Climbs up and down play equipment

CRITERION Child climbs up and down ladders; moves
up and down inclines; and moves under, over, and
through obstacles (e.g., child climbs on jungle gym or
slide; walks up and down incline; navigates through
obstacle course, tunnel, or barrel).
4.1 Moves up and down inclines

CRITERION Child moves up and down inclines
(e.g., child climbs up and slides down slide, walks
and/or crawls up ramp).
4.2 Moves under, over, and through obstacles

CRITERION Child moves under, over, and through
obstacles (e.g., child crawls under table, moves
through barrels or tunnels, climbs into and out of
sandbox).
Test date
Area Raw Score
RESULTS
Area Percent Score
GROSS MOTOR AREA
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
Child Observation Data Recording Form with Criteria I: Adaptive Area
ADAPTIVE AREA

R = Report
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
A. Feeding
1. Uses tongue and lips to take in and swallow

solid foods and liquids
CRITERION Child takes in and swallows liquids and
solid foods without choking or gagging. Child uses a
suck and active lip movement with liquids. Child eats a
variety of foods and liquids appropriate for the age of
the child: semi-solid foods such as applesauce and
yogurt; solid foods such as vegetables, meat, breads,
and fruits; liquids such as milk, water, and juice.
Note Child must score a 2 on Objective 1.1 through

Goal 1 should be scored as a 1. If the child scores
a 0 on all objectives, then Goal 1 should be scored
with a 0.
1.1 Uses lips to take in liquids from a cup

and/or glass
CRITERION Child drinks liquid from a cup and/or
glass using lips to seal the cup rim, draw in liquid,
and retain liquid in mouth when swallowing.
1.2 Uses lips to take food off spoon and/or

fork
CRITERION Child takes food (e.g., yogurt,
applesauce, soft vegetables) off a utensil using
upper lip movement to clean utensil as it is removed
from the mouth. The utensil is not scraped on
childs upper or lower lip.
1.3 Swallows solid and semi-solid foods

CRITERION Child swallows soft, hard, chewy, and
semi-solid bites of food without gagging, choking,
or swallowing pieces whole, including
Soft solids: bananas and soft cookies
Hard solids: raw vegetables, apples, and pretzels
Chewy solids: meats and dried fruits
Semi-solids: applesauce and yogurt
1.4 Swallows liquids

CRITERION Child swallows liquid from a bottle,
breast, or cup without choking or gagging while in a
semi-reclining or upright position, with minimal loss
of liquid from mouth.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
2. Bites and chews hard and chewy foods

CRITERION Child uses teeth to bite through and chew
hard foods (e.g., apples, raw vegetables, pretzels) and
chewy foods (e.g., meats, dried fruits). The tongue
moves the food from side to side within the mouth as
the jaw moves up, down, and diagonally to break up
the food. Child should not
Break up or rip off pieces of food between lips
Use munching pattern (up-and-down jaw movements
without side-to-side tongue movement)
Show excessive protrusion or lateral deviation of jaw
2.1 Bites and chews soft and crisp foods

CRITERION Child uses teeth or gums to bite
through and chew soft foods (e.g., bananas, cooked
vegetables, macaroni) and crisp foods (e.g.,
crackers, cookies). The tongue moves the food from
side to side within the mouth as the jaw moves up,
down, and diagonally to break up the food.
2.2 Munches soft and crisp foods

CRITERION Child breaks up soft and crisp foods by
using a simple munching pattern. Child appears to
smack and/or suck food while opening and closing
mouth. The jaw moves up and down. Food may not
be transferred from one side of mouth to the other.
3. Drinks from cup and/or glass

CRITERION Child drinks from a cup and/or glass by
bringing cup to mouth and returns cup to surface
without spilling.
3.1 Drinks from cup and/or glass with some

spilling
CRITERION Child brings cup and/or glass to mouth
and drinks with minimal spilling. Child may release
cup before returning to surface.
3.2 Drinks from cup and/or glass held by adult

CRITERION Child sucks and swallows liquid from a
cup and/or glass held by an adult. Child uses some
lip closure on rim of cup. Some loss of liquid may
occur.
4. Eats with fork and/or spoon

CRITERION Child eats with fork and/or spoon by
spearing or scooping food and bringing it to mouth
with minimal spilling.
4.1 Brings food to mouth using utensil

CRITERION Child eats with fork and/or spoon by
bringing filled utensil to mouth. Some spilling may
occur; child may have assistance filling utensil.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
4.2 Eats with fingers

CRITERION Child eats with fingers by grasping and
bringing to mouth large and/or small pieces of food.
4.3 Accepts food presented on spoon

CRITERION When offered food from a spoon, child
opens mouth and closes jaw and lips around the
utensil to take in semi-solid foods (e.g., applesauce,
yogurt).
5. Transfers food and liquid between containers

CRITERION Child scoops food and pours liquid from
one container to another without spilling. Present child
with an amount of liquid that will not overfill the
container.
5.1 Pours liquid between containers

CRITERION When presented with an amount of
liquid that will not overfill the container, the child
pours liquid from one container into another without
spilling.
5.2 Transfers food between containers

CRITERION Child uses utensil to scoop and transfer
food from one container to another.
B. Personal Hygiene
1. Initiates toileting
CRITERION Child initiates toileting and demonstrates
bowel and bladder control. Child may need help
completing toileting routine. Occasional reminders are
acceptable.
1.1 Demonstrates bowel and bladder control

CRITERION Child demonstrates bowel and bladder
control when taken to the toilet on a regular basis.
Occasional accidents are acceptable.
1.2 Indicates awareness of soiled and wet

pants and/or diapers
CRITERION Child indicates awareness of soiled and
wet pants and/or diapers by verbalizing, gesturing,
and/or signing.
2. Washes and dries hands

CRITERION Child completes hand washing and drying
routine by turning faucet on and off, washing with
soap, drying hands, and returning towel to towel rack
or throwing paper towel away. Child may request
assistance in turning faucet on and off.
2.1 Washes hands

CRITERION Child washes hands with soap and
rinses with water. Adult may turn faucet on and off.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
3. Brushes teeth
CRITERION After adult puts toothpaste on toothbrush,
child brushes teeth. Adult may provide assistance to
effectively clean teeth.
3.1 Cooperates with teeth brushing

CRITERION Child opens mouth and allows teeth to
be brushed long enough to effectively clean teeth.
C. Undressing
1. Undresses self
CRITERION Child uses any functional means to
perform all of the following undressing activities:
Takes off pullover shirt/sweater
Takes off front-fastened coat, jacket, or shirt (adult
may assist in unfastening)
Takes off long pants from both feet (adult may assist
in unfastening)
Takes off socks
Takes off shoes (adult may assist in unfastening)
Takes off hat (adult may assist in unfastening)
Children may display greater skill with one garment

than another garment of the same type (e.g., two
different pullover shirts) due to the fit. In such cases,
this inconsistency of skill performance should be noted
by scoring items as 1.
Note Child must score a 2 on Objective 1.1 through

Objective 1.6 in order to score a 2 on Goal 1. If the child
scores a 1 and/or a 0 on some objectives, then Goal 1
should be scored as a 1. If the child scores a 0 on all
objectives, then Goal 1 should be scored with a 0.
1.1 Takes off pullover shirt/sweater

take off pullover shirt or sweater.
1.2 Takes off front-fastened coat, jacket, or

shirt
take off frontfastened coat and/or shirt. Adult may
assist in unfastening.
1.3 Takes off pants

take off long pants from both feet. Adult may assist
in unfastening.
1.4 Takes off socks

take off socks.
1.5 Takes off shoes

take off shoes. Adult may assist in unfastening.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
1.6 Takes off hat

take off hat. Adult may assist in unfastening.
Test date
Area Raw Score
RESULTS
Area Percent Score
ADAPTIVE AREA
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
Child Observation Data Recording Form with Criteria I: Cognitive Area
COGNITIVE AREA

R = Report
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
A. Sensory Stimuli
1. Orients to auditory, visual, and tactile events

CRITERION Child orients to (i.e., turns, looks, reaches,
moves toward) auditory, visual, and tactile events when
presented a variety of sensory stimuli:
Auditory: person vocalizing, rattle, music box,
whistle, squeeze-toy
Visual: person smiling, colored ball, mobile
Tactile: soft yarn ball, warm blanket, furry stuffed toy
Note Child must score a 2 in Objective 1.1 through

Goal 1 should be scored as a 1. If the child scores a 0
on all objectives, then Goal 1 should be scored as a 0.
1.1 Orients to auditory events

CRITERION Child orients to sound (nonvocal or
vocal) by turning, looking, reaching, and/or moving
in the direction of the sound.
1.2 Orients to visual events

CRITERION Child orients to visual events by turning,
looking, reaching, and/or moving in direction of
source that is within childs visual field.
1.3 Orients to tactile stimulation

CRITERION Child orients to tactile stimulation
(e.g., soft yarn ball, warm blanket, furry stuffed toy)
by turning, looking, reaching, and/or moving in
direction of source.
1.4 Responds to auditory, visual, and tactile

events
CRITERION Child responds by ceasing or increasing
activity momentarily when presented with auditory,
visual, and tactile events:
Auditory: person vocalizing, rattle, music box,
whistle, squeeze-toy
Visual: person smiling, colored ball, mobile
Tactile: soft yarn ball, warm blanket, furry stuffed
toy
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
B. Object Permanence
1. Visually follows object and/or person to point
of disappearance
CRITERION Child moves eyes and/or head to visually
follow object or person to point of disappearance.
1.1 Visually follows object moving in

horizontal, vertical, and circular directions
CRITERION Child visually follows object moving in
horizontal, vertical, and circular directions.
Situations in the environment may include
Horizontal: watches ball roll across visual field
Vertical: watches ball thrown up and coming back
down
Circular: watches toy ferris wheel turn around,
balloon floating
1.2 Focuses on object and/or person

CRITERION Child visually focuses for at least 4
seconds on a stationary object and/or person within
childs visual field.
2. Locates object in latter of two successive

hiding places
CRITERION After child sees object hidden first in one
place, then in another, child immediately finds hidden
object in second place (e.g., adult hides toy interesting
to the child in one cup and then moves toy to another
cup before child is allowed to retrieve it; child finds toy
by looking only in second cup).
2.1 Locates object and/or person hidden while

child is watching
CRITERION After child sees object and/or person
hidden, child immediately finds hidden object
and/or person (e.g., people hiding as part of Hide-
and-Seek, ball rolling under a table, crayon hidden
under paper).
2.2 Locates object and/or person who is

partially hidden while child is watching
CRITERION After child sees object and/or person
partially hidden, child immediately finds hidden
object and/or person (e.g., child retrieves teddy bear
that has been partially hidden under the bedcovers
or a toy car that has been partially parked inside a
block structure).
2.3 Reacts when object and/or person hides

from view
CRITERION Child reacts in some way when object
and/or person disappears from view. Child does not
have to indicate location of hidden object and/or
person. Reactions may include momentary staring,
crying, obvious expressions of surprise, and/or head
turning.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
3. Maintains search for object that is not in its

usual location
CRITERION Child continues to search for an object in
more than one place when it is not found in its usual
location (e.g., when coat is not in coat closet, child will
look in several other likely places).
3.1 Looks for object in usual location

CRITERION Child looks for an object in its usual
location (e.g., child looks in toy box for favorite toy,
goes to coat closet or rack for coat).
C. Causality
1. Correctly activates mechanical toy
CRITERION Child correctly activates mechanical toy
(e.g., jack-in-the-box, wind-up radio, talking doll,
See-N-Say; child winds up dial on toy radio, pulls
lever on toy cash register). Demonstrate the toys action
if necessary.
1.1 Correctly activates simple toy

CRITERION Child correctly activates simple toy
(e.g., rattle, bell, squeeze-toy, pinwheel).
Demonstrate the toys action if necessary.
1.2 Acts on mechanical and/or simple toy in

some way
CRITERION Child acts on mechanical and/or simple
toy in some way (e.g., hits, touches, pushes),
causing it to move or make a noise (e.g., shakes a
squeeze-toy, hits a wind-up radio). Childs action is
not appropriate for activating the object.
1.3 Indicates interest in simple and/or

mechanical toy
CRITERION When simple and/or mechanical toy is
activated, child waves arms, vocalizes, laughs,
smiles, kicks legs, stares, and/or ceases activity.
2. Reproduces part of interactive game and/or

action in order to continue game and/or
action
CRITERION Child indicates desire to continue
interactive game and/or action (e.g., Pat-a-cake,
Peekaboo) by performing an action that is part of
game (e.g., child claps hands, covers eyes when adult
pauses during game).
2.1 Indicates desire to continue familiar game

and/or action
CRITERION Child indicates desire to continue
familiar game and/or action (e.g., Peekaboo;
child waves arms, bounces, vocalizes, laughs,
smiles, kicks legs).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
D. Imitation
1. Imitates motor action that is not commonly
used
CRITERION Child imitates motor action that is not
commonly used (e.g., pats knee, taps foot). The action
should not be part of familiar songs and/or activities.
Action should be appropriate for childs motor abilities.
1.1 Imitates motor action that is commonly

used
CRITERION Child imitates motor action that is
commonly used (e.g., claps hands in front of self,
pats table). Commonly used motor actions are those
that the child has previously produced.
2. Imitates words that are not frequently used

CRITERION Child imitates words that he or she does
not frequently use.
2.1 Imitates speech sounds that are not

frequently used
CRITERION Child imitates developmentally
appropriate speech sounds that he or she does not
frequently use.
2.2 Imitates words that are frequently used

CRITERION Child imitates words that he or she
frequently uses.
E. Problem Solving
1. Retains objects when new object is obtained
CRITERION Child uses any means to retain objects
that he or she is using when new object is acquired
(e.g., child holds several objects in one hand; puts
objects into container or pocket; puts some items in
mouth, on lap, under arm, between legs).
1.1 Retains one object when second object is

obtained
CRITERION Child uses any means to retain one
object when a second one is obtained (e.g., child
holds cookie in one hand and obtains second
cookie with the other hand).
1.2 Retains object

CRITERION Child uses any means to retain an
object (e.g., child grasps object with fingers, holds in
palm of hand, grips between both hands, presses
between forearm and torso).
2. Uses an object to obtain another object

CRITERION Child moves or manipulates an object to
obtain another object (e.g., child moves a stool to
reach an object placed out of reach, uses a stick to
obtain object out of reach across the table).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
2.1 Uses part of object and/or support to

obtain another object
CRITERION Child obtains object by pulling on part
of the object (e.g., handle, attached string) and/or
by pulling support on which object is resting (e.g.,
tray, placemat, blanket).
3. Navigates large object around barriers

CRITERION Child moves large object around barriers
(e.g., child moves toy grocery cart, doll carriage, riding
toy around furniture).
3.1 Moves barrier or goes around barrier to

obtain object
CRITERION Child moves barrier or goes around
barrier (e.g., table, chair, large toy) to obtain an
object.
3.2 Moves around barrier to change location

CRITERION Child moves around barrier to change
location.
4. Solves common problems

CRITERION Child uses different strategies to solve
common problems (e.g., when child wants an object
that is out of reach, child calls to an adult and then
gets a chair to stand on when adult does not respond).
4.1 Uses more than one strategy in attempt to

solve common problem
CRITERION Child attempts to solve problems by
using more than one strategy (e.g., when working a
puzzle, child turns one piece around and then tries
another puzzle piece when the first one does not fit;
when child wants a toy from high shelf, child
reaches for toy, then attempts to knock it down with
another object; when presented with food that is in
a jar with a tight lid, the child attempts to open the
jar by turning the lid, then tries banging the jar on
the table).
F. Interaction with Objects

1. Uses imaginary objects in play
CRITERION Child uses imaginary objects in play.
Imaginary play consists of child pretending and/or
imagining that an object and/or event is occurring
(e.g., child pretends to climb a mountain in a class-
room, go to outer space in a cardboard box, have lions
and tigers in cages when pretending to visit the zoo).
1.1 Uses representational actions with objects

CRITERION Child uses one object to represent
another (e.g., child uses a box as a hat, a spoon as
a telephone, a stick to stir food).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
1.2 Uses functionally appropriate actions with

objects
CRITERION Child acts on objects using functionally
or socially appropriate actions. Functionally or
socially appropriate actions are those for which the
object was intended or designed (e.g., child holds
play telephone to ear, puts comb to head and
attempts to comb hair, puts glasses on eyes).
1.3 Uses simple motor actions on different

objects
CRITERION Child acts on objects using simple
motor actions (e.g., mouths, pats, bangs, shakes,
rubs). Simple motor actions are any group of
actions used on objects irrespective of the physical
characteristics of the objects (e.g., when given a
rattle, a small squeeze-toy, or a cloth book, the child
bangs, shakes, and mouths all objects in a similar
fashion).
1.4 Uses sensory examination with objects

CRITERION Child acts on objects using sensory
examination (e.g., child looks at, manipulates,
listens to, sniffs, and mouths objects). Sensory
examination includes the use of any sense (e.g.,
visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory) that
allows the child to gain information about an
object.
G. Early Concepts
1. Categorizes like objects
CRITERION Child puts together at least three objects
in a group according to a broad-based category (e.g.,
food, clothing, animals; child gathers all toy animals
together, puts play dishes and utensils on table, gathers
clothing in order to play dress-up).
1.1 Groups functionally related objects

CRITERION Child puts together at least three
objects that are conventionally or functionally
related (e.g., during pretend play, child collects doll,
bottle, and blanket together; while playing in the
sandbox, child gets bucket, shovel, and sifter).
1.2 Groups objects according to size, shape,

and/or color
CRITERION Child groups objects according to size,
shape, and/or color when provided with a visual
model (e.g., large versus small; circles, triangles,
squares; blue, red, green; child follows directions to
Put all the big blocks in this box or Keep all the
red cups together, when shown big blocks and red
cups).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
1.3 Matches pictures and/or objects

CRITERION When given three to four different
pictures and/or objects, child picks up or points to a
matching picture and/or matching object (e.g., child
correctly matches toys to pictures of stuffed animals,
dishes, and blocks on toy shelves when picking up).
2. Demonstrates functional use of one-to-one

correspondence
CRITERION Child demonstrates one-to-one
correspondence by assigning one object to each of two or
more objects and/or people (e.g., child places one fork
next to each plate, gives one paintbrush to each child).
2.1 Demonstrates concept of one

CRITERION When presented with several like objects
and asked to indicate one, child shows, gives, and/or
assigns one and only one object (e.g., child takes one
crayon when offered a box with several crayons and
asked to Just take one caryon).
3. Recognizes environmental symbols (signs,

logos, labels)
CRITERION Child assigns correct meaning and words
to familiar symbols such as road signs, logos for brand
names, restaurants, stores, and familiar food and
product labels by producing an associated word or
action (e.g., child says, I want hamburger at the sight
of a fast-food logo; says, Bus at the bus stop sign;
shows his or her shoes at the sight of a matching logo).
3.1 Labels familiar people, actions, objects,

and events in pictures
CRITERION Child uses words or word
approximations in any language (including sign
language) to correctly label pictures of familiar
objects, actions, people, and events.
4. Demonstrates functional use of reading

materials
CRITERION Child demonstrates functional use of reading
materials (e.g., storybooks, magazines, phone/address
books, menus, newspapers). Child shows an awareness
that text contains a message by using reading behaviors
with books. The child is not actually reading but is using
printed materials in a functional and appropriate fashion
(e.g., child reads a story to an adult using narration
based on pictures, looks at a menu and decides to eat
spaghetti, assigns prices to products while looking at
advertisements; the child is not actually reading but is
using reading behaviors appropriately).
4.1 Orally fills in or completes familiar text

while looking at picture books
CRITERION Child fills in the correct words if an
adult leaves out words while reading out loud (e.g.,
adult reads Goodnight house; goodnight ______ ,
and the child fills in the word mouse).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
4.2 Makes comments and asks questions

while looking at picture books
CRITERION Child uses gestures and/or words to
share or obtain information about pictures and text
in familiar books (e.g., the child looks at the page
intently while asking, Wheres the mouse? and
then points to the mouse picture on the page and
says, There it is!).
4.3 Sits and attends to entire story during

shared reading time
CRITERION Child sits close to adult and attends
while the adult reads an entire short childrens book.
Note For children from cultures with oral rather than

literate traditions, Objectives 4.2 and 4.3 can be
modified by substituting oral stories for books,
storytelling for reading, spoken words for text, and
so forth.
5. Demonstrates use of common opposite

concepts
CRITERION Child demonstrates understanding of at
least six pairs of early opposite concepts by sorting,
labeling, or selecting objects with the appropriate
quality from at least six pairs (e.g., child takes the
correct paper when an adult presents piles of large-
and small-size paper; child answers correctly when
asked if pants are wet or dry; child complies with
request to take book off top shelf when there are books
on all shelves). Examples of opposite concepts may
include but are not limited to the following: big/little
hot/cold wet/dry up/down fast/slow top/bottom in/out
full/empty stop/go clean/dirty
5.1 Demonstrates use of at least four pairs of

common opposite concepts
CRITERION Child demonstrates understanding
of early opposite concepts by showing, sorting,
labeling, or selecting the appropriate qualities.
See previous examples.
5.2 Demonstrates use of at least two pairs of

common opposite concepts
CRITERION Child demonstrates understanding
of early opposite concepts by showing, sorting,
labeling, or selecting the appropriate qualities.
See previous examples.
6. Repeats simple nursery rhymes

CRITERION Child repeats at least two lines of simple
nursery rhymes or songs without prompts (e.g., Humpty
Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool? Yes, sir, yes,
sir, three bags full; Three little monkeys jumping on
the bed. One fell off and bumped his head). The
rhymes should be familiar and simple. Child does not
have to remember the entire rhyme. Child can make
minor mistakes in reciting nonrhyming words.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
6.1 Fills in rhyming words in familiar rhymes

CRITERION Child fills in the appropriate word in a
familiar nursery rhyme when adult recites the entire
rhyme except for the one rhyming word (e.g., The
adult says, Im a little teapot short and stout. Tip
me over and pour me ________ , and the child
says, out).
6.2 Says nursery rhymes along with familiar adult

CRITERION Child shows recognition of sound
games by joining in with adult or other children
reciting nursery rhymes, keeping the pace and
intonation of the rhyme and emphasizing the main
ideas, nouns, and rhyming words (e.g., while the
group sings Itsy, Bitsy Spider, the child clearly says
key words such as spider, spout, down, rain,
out, with special emphasis on spout and out).
Test date
Area Raw Score
RESULTS
Area Percent Score
COGNITIVE AREA
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
Child Observation Data Recording Form with Criteria I: Social-Communication Area
SOCIAL-COMMUNICATION AREA

R = Report
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
A. Prelinguistic Communicative Interactions
1. Turns and looks toward person speaking

CRITERION Child turns to and looks toward the face of
a speaker for at least 5 seconds. Speaker must be
within 3 feet of the child.
1.1 Turns and looks toward object and person

speaking
CRITERION Child turns to and looks toward an
object for at least 5 seconds while another person
holds the object and comments on it. Object and
speaker must be within 3 feet of child.
1.2 Turns and looks toward noise-producing

object
CRITERION Child turns to and looks toward a
noise-producing object for at least 5 seconds. The
object must be within 3 feet of the child.
2. Follows persons gaze to establish joint

attention
CRITERION Child turns and looks in the direction of
a persons gaze while that person looks at an object,
person, and/or event. The childs glance must be
longer than 1 second.
2.1 Follows persons pointing gesture to

establish joint attention
CRITERION Child looks in the direction of a
persons pointing gesture while that person looks at
an object, person, and/or event and comments on
it. The childs glance must be longer than 1 second.
2.2 Looks toward an object

CRITERION Child looks in the direction of an object
when a person presents the object within childs
reach. The childs glance must be longer than 1
second.
3. Engages in vocal exchanges by babbling

CRITERION Child engages in two or more consecutive
vocal exchanges with other people by babbling
(e.g., child babbles, person imitates child, and child
responds by babbling again; adult says, Hi, baby,
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
child responds by saying, Ba-ba-ba; adult repeats,

Hi, baby, and child responds, Ba-ba-ba-ba). An
exchange includes a response from both the child and
the other person.
3.1 Engages in vocal exchanges by cooing

CRITERION Child engages in two or more
consecutive vocal exchanges with other people by
cooing (e.g., child coos or gurgles, person imitates
child, and child responds by cooing or gurgling
again; adult says, Heres your bottle, child
responds by cooing; adult asks, Are you hungry?
and child coos again). An exchange includes a
response from both the child and the other person.
Note Refer to the SCOF and the SCSF (located in

Appendix C of Volume 1) for scoring this strand.
B. Transition to Words
1. Gains persons attention and refers to an
object, person, and/or event
CRITERION Child gains a persons attention (e.g.,
looks at, reaches for, touches, vocalizes) and then
points to an object, person, and/or event (e.g., child
looks at a person and then points to ball, child pulls on
a persons arm and then points out the window).
1.1 Responds with a vocalization and gesture

to simple questions
CRITERION Child responds to simple questions with
a vocalization and gesture (e.g., adult asks, Want
up? and child reaches for adult and says, Ba-ba-
ba; adult asks, Wheres mama? and child points
to mother and says, Ma-ma; adult asks, All
done? and child shakes head and says, Na-na).
1.2 Points to an object, person, and/or event

CRITERION Child points to an object, person, and/or
event (e.g., child points to a picture when looking
at a book, child points to other children playing).
1.3 Gestures and/or vocalizes to greet others

CRITERION Child waves arm and/or vocalizes when
greeting and when leaving others (e.g., familiar
person leaves room and child waves and vocalizes,
Bye-bye; when going to bed, child vocalizes, Na-
na; when parent enters the room, child waves arm
and says, Hi).
1.4 Uses gestures and/or vocalizations

to protest actions and/or reject objects
or people
CRITERION Child responds with gestures and/or
vocalizations to protest actions and/or reject objects
or people (e.g., adult presents food to child; child
turns from food, pushes it away, and/or makes a
negative sound).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
2. Uses consistent word approximations

CRITERION Child uses 10 consistent word
approximations to refer to objects, people, and/or
events (e.g., child reaches for ball and says, Ba;
child says, Ba-ba and points to bottle; child looks
at juice and says, Ju).
2.1 Uses consistent consonantvowel

combinations
CRITERION Child uses consistent speechsound
combinations to refer to objects, people, and/or
events (e.g., child points to truck and says, Da;
child reaches for ball and says, Ga). Sounds
may be unrelated to actual label but are used to
consistently refer to the same object, person,
and/or event.
2.2 Uses nonspecific consonantvowel

combinations and/or jargon
CRITERION Child babbles using speech-like sounds
with rising and falling intonation; for example, child
looks at parent and vocalizes a sequence of speech-
like sounds (e.g., ah-ba-ba-da).
2.3 Vocalizes to express affective states

CRITERION Child indicates different feelings
through vocalizations and intonations. The child
may coo when content, whine when wanting
attention, or scream when upset. The childs
vocalization should clearly indicate his or her state.
2.4 Vocalizes open syllables

CRITERION Child vocalizes sounds other than
crying. The child produces at least two different
vowel sounds during spontaneous vocalizations.
The vowel sounds are typically prolonged in a
sing-song manner (i.e., cooing).
C. Comprehension of Words and Sentences

1. Locates objects, people, and/or events
without contextual cues
CRITERION Without contextual cues, the child locates
(e.g., looks at, reaches for, touches, points to) at least
20 familiar objects, people, and/or events when named
by another person (e.g., parent asks, Wheres
Daddy? when Daddy is in the yard and child goes to
the window and points to father).
1.1 Locates common objects, people, and/or

events in unfamiliar pictures
CRITERION Child locates (e.g., looks at, reaches
for, touches, points to) at least 20 common objects,
people, and/or events in unfamiliar pictures when
named by another person (e.g., persons says,
Show me horse, and child points to a horse in a
book that is unfamiliar). The pictures should not
have been used previously in the childs training.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP

events in familiar pictures
CRITERION Child locates (e.g., looks at, reaches
for, touches, points to) at least 10 common objects,
people, and/or events in familiar pictures when
named by another person (e.g., child points to a
ball, dog, or truck in a familiar picture book).

events with contextual cues
CRITERION With contextual cues, the child locates
(e.g., looks at, reaches for, touches, points to) at least
five common objects, people, and/or events when
named by another person (e.g., when playing with
dishes, a person asks the child to show me the cup,
and child picks the cup; when asked, Wheres
Daddy? child looks toward his or her father).
1.4 Recognizes own name

CRITERION Child responds differently to his or her
name than to general verbalizations (e.g., child may
brighten, increase his or her activity level, smile,
turn toward a person, vocalize when his or her
name is called).
1.5 Quiets to familiar voice

CRITERION Child quiets in response to caregiver or
other familiar voice (e.g., when the child is fussing,
he or she quiets; his or her activity level decreases
when spoken to with comforting tones by a familiar
adult).
2. Carries out two-step direction without

contextual cues
CRITERION Child responds with appropriate motor
action to a two-step direction that does not relate to
the immediate context (e.g., when a doll is not present
in the immediate environment, another person tells the
child, Go get your doll and put it on the table, and
child gets doll and puts it on the table).
2.1 Carries out two-step direction with

contextual cues
action to a two-step direction that relates to the
immediate context (e.g., when playing with dolls
and dishes, another person asks child, get the cup
and give baby a drink, and child gets the cup and
pretends to give the doll a drink).
2.2 Carries out one-step direction without

contextual cues
action to a one-step direction that does not relate to
the immediate context (e.g., another person tells the
child, Get the ball when it is not immediately
present, and child gets the ball).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
2.3 Carries out one-step direction with

contextual cues
action to a one-step direction that relates to the
immediate context (e.g., person tells the child, Get
your coat when standing in front of the coat rack,
and child gets the coat).
Note Refer to the SCOF and the SCSF (located in

Appendix C of Volume 1) for scoring this strand.
D. Production of Social-Communicative Signals,

Words, and Sentences
1. Uses 50 single words
CRITERION Child uses 50 single words appropriately,
which includes at least five descriptive words, five
action words, two pronouns, 15 labeling words, and
three proper names. (See Objectives 1.11.5 for
specific directions.)
Note Child must score a 2 on Objectives 1.11.5 in

order to score a 2 on Goal 1. If the child scores a 1
and/or a 0 on some of these objectives, then score
Goal 1 with a 1. If the child scores a 0 on all of these
objectives, then score Goal 1 as a 0.
1.1 Uses five descriptive words

CRITERION Child uses five different descriptive
words (e.g., big, little, hot, red, blue) appropriately
(e.g., child touches a cup of tea and says, hot,
child shows muddy hands and says, dirty).
1.2 Uses five action words

CRITERION Child uses five different action
words (e.g., open, go, eat, sit, run) appropriately
(e.g., child gives box of animal crackers to adult
and says, open, child kicks ball and says, kick).
1.3 Uses two pronouns

CRITERION Child uses two different pronouns
(e.g., me, mine, it, my, you, this) appropriately
(e.g., child looks at photograph and says, me;
child holds a toy and says, mine).
1.4 Uses 15 object and/or event labels

CRITERION Child uses 15 different object and/or
event labels (e.g., ball, cup, hat, bubbles) appro-
priately (e.g., child sees cat and says, kitty; child
says, bubbles when watching adult blow bubbles).
1.5 Uses three proper names

CRITERION Child uses three different proper names
(e.g., Mama, James, Daddy, Spot) appropriately
(e.g., child looks at parent and says, Mama; when
playing with a friend, child calls out, James).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
2. Uses two-word utterances

CRITERION Child uses a variety of two-word utterances
to express:
Agentaction, actionobject, and agentobject
Possession
Location
Description
Recurrence
Negation
(See Objectives 2.12.6 for specific directions.)

and/or a 0 on some of these objectives, then score
Goal 2 with a 1. If the child scores a 0 on all of these
objectives, then score Goal 2 with a 0.
2.1 Uses two-word utterances to express

agentaction, actionobject, and
agentobject
CRITERION Child uses 10 different two-word
utterances to express agentaction (Mama go),
actionobject (roll ball), and agentobject (Daddy
truck) (e.g., child watches father eating and says,
Daddy eat [agentaction]; child points to baby
and says, He cry [agentaction]; child watches
another child pushing a toy truck and says, Push
truck [actionobject]; child holds up cookies and
says, Eat cookie [actionobject]; child watches
mother putting on a hat and says, Mommy hat
[agentobject]; child points to toy and says, My
truck [agentobject]).

possession
CRITERION Child uses five different two-word
utterances to express possession (e.g., child takes
book from peer and says, My book; child sees
mothers car and says, Mommys car).

location
utterances to indicate location (e.g., child points to
parent and says, There Mommy; child reaches
toward another person, then looks at wagon and
says, In wagon).
2.4 Uses two-word utterances to describe

objects, people, and/or events
utterances to describe objects, people, and/or
events (e.g., child watches parent cooking, points to
pan and says, Pan hot; child points to tractor and
says, Big tractor; child says, Red block, when
playing with blocks).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP

recurrence
utterances to indicate recurrence (e.g., child holds
up cup and says, More juice; when being pulled
in wagon, child says, Go again).

negation
utterances to express rejection, disappearance,
and/or denial (e.g., child gives wind-up toy to parent
and says, Not go; child finishes a cup of juice and
says, No more).
3. Uses three-word utterances

CRITERION Child uses a variety of three-word
utterances to express:
Negation
Questions
Actionobjectlocation
Agentactionobject
(See Objectives 3.13.4 for specific directions.)

and/or a 0 on some of the objectives, then score Goal 3
with a 1. If the child scores all of these objectives with a
0, then score Goal 3 with a 0.
3.1 Uses three-word negative utterances

CRITERION Child uses five different three-word
utterances that include a negative term (e.g., no,
not, dont, cant, wont; child says, No babys
coat; child says, No do that).
3.2 Asks questions

CRITERION Child asks five different two- and three-
word questions using Wh- words (e.g., what,
where) or using raising intonation (e.g., child goes
to coat rack and asks, Where my coat?; child
watches parent prepare food and asks with raising
intonation, We eat lunch?; child watches friend
playing and says, What doing?).
3.3 Uses three-word actionobjectlocation

utterances
utterances to express actionobjectlocation
(e.g., child says, Put baby in; Roll ball here).
3.4 Uses three-word agentactionobject

utterances
utterances to express agentactionobject (e.g.,
child says, I blow bubble; He throw ball; Baby
drink milk; James drive car).
Test date
Area Raw Score
RESULTS
Area Percent Score
SOCIAL-COMMUNICATION AREA
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
Social-Communication Observation Form
SOCIAL-COMMUNICATION OBSERVATION FORM (SCOF)1
Activity: Total time:
I. Transition to Words (Strand B)
Communicative Signal Communicative Function

Responds Refers to
Partially Not Gains to objects/ Protests/
Interpretable interpretable interpretable attention questions people Greets Refuses
Gesture
Vocalization
Vocalizes/Gestures
II. Production of Social-Communicative Signals, Words, and Sentences (Strand D)

Functions
te
Word approximations,
ion to
en to
ria
est se
mm se
n
words, and word
rop
t
qu spon
tio
co spon
tio
pp
ita
combinations
tia
Re
Re
Context
Ina
Im
Ini
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
1
Users may need to make multiple copies of this form to accommodate an adequate sample of a childs communicative behavior.
SOCIAL-COMMUNICATION SUMMARY FORM (SCSF)
I. Transition to Words (Strand B)
+ + =
Interpretable Partially Not Total

gestures interpretable interpretable gestures
gestures gestures
% of all gestures
Divide x 100 = are interpretable
Interpretable Total
gestures gestures
+ + =

vocalizations interpretable interpretable vocalizations
vocalizations vocalizations
% of all
Divide x 100 = vocalizations
are interpretable
Interpretable Total
vocalizations vocalizations
+ + =

vocalizations/ interpretable interpretable vocalizations/
gestures vocalizations/ vocalizations/ gestures
gestures gestures
% of all
Divide x 100 = vocalizations/
gestures are
Interpretable Total interpretable
vocalizations/ vocalizations/
gestures gestures
Test date
Area Raw Score
RESULTS
Area Percent Score
Child Observation Data Recording Form with Criteria I: Social Area
SOCIAL AREA

R = Report
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
A. Interaction with Familiar Adults
1. Responds appropriately to familiar adults

affect
CRITERION Child appropriately responds to familiar
adults affect, including facial expressions, gestures,
tone, requests, comments, or corrections (e.g., when
familiar adult enters the room, child smiles in recog-
nition; when familiar adult asks child for a hug, child
gives adult hug; when familiar adult corrects childs
behavior, child looks sad or cries; when familiar adult
affectionately pats child on the back, child pats adult
on the arm).
1.1 Displays affection toward familiar adult

CRITERION Child spontaneously hugs, kisses, pats,
touches, and/or reaches toward a familiar adult
(e.g., upon adults return, child hugs adult; during
positive interactions or simple games, child reaches
for and touches or pats adult affectionately).
1.2 Responds appropriately to familiar adults

affective tone
CRITERION Child responds with socially appropriate
affect to familiar adults affective tone (e.g., child
laughs, smiles, or produces part of interactive game
in response to adults positive tone; child cries,
frowns, turns away in response to adults dis-
pleasure or corrections).
1.3 Smiles in response to familiar adult

CRITERION Child smiles in response to an
approach, vocalization, smile, and/or appearance of
a familiar adult (e.g., as adult comments on childs
play, child smiles at adult then continues playing; as
child plays on floor with preferred toy, adult sits
down to join, child looks up and smiles).
2. Initiates and maintains interaction with

familiar adult
CRITERION Child initiates and maintains interaction
with familiar adult for two or more consecutive ex-
changes. An exchange consists of a response from
the child and from the adult (e.g., child gains adult
attention then puts cloth over own head, adult says,
Peekaboo, and child removes cloth, adult smiles,
child laughs; child claps hands, adult says, Pat-a-
cake, child claps hands again, and adult says,
Pat-a-cake).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
2.1 Initiates simple social game with familiar

adult
CRITERION Child initiates simple social game with
familiar adult (e.g., child claps hands and adult
says, Pat-a-cake; child crawls under table then
peeks out at adult and adult says, Boo; child rolls
a ball toward adult and adult rolls it back).
Note Objects that can be used in interactive games

(e.g., ball for rolling, blanket for Peekaboo) may be
useful.
2.2 Responds to familiar adults social

behavior
CRITERION Child responds to familiar adults social
behavior (e.g., child waves bye-bye in response to
adults good-bye; adult peeks at child around a
corner, then retreats, and child peeks at adult and
laughs).
2.3 Uses familiar adults for comfort,

closeness, or physical contact
CRITERION Child seeks comfort, closeness, or
physical contact from familiar adult by directing
position, proximity, gestures, expressions, gaze, or
vocalizations toward him or her across a variety of
situations (i.e., when hurt, sad, needs comfort, needs
reassurance; e.g., child climbs into parents lap and
hugs him or her after being examined by a doctor;
child stands next to caregiver and clings to his or her
leg as a big dog approaches; child extends hand to
parent and asks him or her to kiss it better; when
favorite peer has to go home, child expresses sadness
by leaning on caregiver for several minutes).
3. Initiates and maintains communicative

exchange with familiar adult
CRITERION Child initiates and maintains a
communicative exchange by directing gestures, signs,
vocalizations, and/or verbalizations toward adult for two
or more consecutive exchanges (e.g., child holds up
keys and says, Ke-ke, adult says, Yes, those are
keys, child says, Ke, adult asks, Where does the
key go? and child gestures toward the door; child
points to cup that is out of reach and vocalizes to
adult, adult says, Cup, child reaches for cup and
looks at adult, adult asks, Oh, you want a drink? and
child nods). An exchange consists of a response from
the child and from the adult.
3.1 Initiates communication with familiar adult

CRITERION Child initiates communication by
directing gestures, signs, vocalizations, and/or
verbalizations toward familiar adult (e.g., child holds
up a toy car and says Ka; child tugs at adults leg
to gain adults attention then points to juice; child
raises arms toward adult and vocalizes; child points
to picture in book then looks at adult).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
3.2 Responds to communication from familiar

adult
CRITERION Child responds to familiar adults
communication by gesturing, signing, verbalizing,
following requests, and/or attending (e.g., adult says,
Wave bye-bye, child waves hand; adult asks, Where
is the ball? and child points to picture of ball; adult
says childs name and child turns toward adult).
B. Interaction with Environment

1. Meets observable physical needs in socially
appropriate ways
CRITERION Child uses socially appropriate ways to
meet observable physical needs (e.g., child washes
hands or requests help from adult when hands are
dirty; child attempts to remove wet or soiled clothing;
child requests adult help when injuries occur; child gets
a tissue and blows own nose; child goes to adult and
tugs at soiled diaper). Observable physical needs can
include dirty hands or clothing, injury, runny nose, or
soiled diapers, but do not include more internal
physical needs such as hunger, thirst, or rest.
1.1 Meets internal physical needs of hunger,

thirst, and rest
CRITERION Child meets internal physical needs of
hunger, thirst, and rest (e.g., child goes to the
cupboard and gets a cracker or to the refrigerator to
get juice; child indicates thirst to adult by holding up
cup; after rough-and-tumble play, child rests or naps).
1.2 Uses appropriate strategies to self-soothe

CRITERION Child is able to self-regulate by
maintaining or regaining composure from high
emotional responses including crying, anger, fear, or
frustration to more relaxed or low emotional self-
expressions (e.g., child who bursts into tears after
being licked by a dog recovers and calmly watches
the dog play with a ball; child who shows great fear
at the dentist is able to get in the chair and take a
treat from the dentist; child who cries when moms
keys are taken away, recovers and finds another toy
to play with; child who becomes frustrated and
whines when leg gets stuck on the riding toy, moves
on and runs with peers after getting help off the toy;
child uses familiar objects like pacifier, blanket,
thumb, or selftalking, and/or closeness with adult to
calm self in stressful situations).
2. Participates in established social routines

CRITERION When given general verbal and/or
contextual cues, child performs a series of responses
associated with established social routines such as
mealtime, toileting, dressing/undressing, bathing/
washing, naptime/bedtime, and/or classroom events
(e.g., as adult begins to set table and/or says, Its
lunch time, child washes hands, gets bib, and goes to
the table; when adult turns on bath water, child goes to
the tub, takes off clothes, and gets tub toys).
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
Note Familiar objects or environmental prompts associated

with routine events may be necessary; for example:
Dinner: silverware or food taken out of the refrigerator
Toileting: potty chair
Bathing: change of clothes or tub of water toys
Nap: blanket and pillow or cots from the closet
2.1 Responds to established social routines

CRITERION When given general verbal and/or
contextual cues, the child performs a single
response associated with established social routines
such as mealtime, toileting, dressing/undressing,
bathing/washing, naptime/bedtime, and/or
classroom events (e.g., as adult begins to set table
and/or says, Its lunch time, child sits down at the
table; when adult says, Its time to take a nap,
child goes and gets blanket; when adult says bath
time, child goes to tub and removes clothes).
C. Interaction with Peers

1. Initiates and maintains interaction with peer
CRITERION Child initiates and maintains interaction
with peer for two or more consecutive exchanges (e.g.,
child hides in cupboard, peer knocks on door, child
opens door and laughs, and peer closes door and
knocks again; child uses bricks to build wall, peer adds
additional bricks, and the two children look at each
other, laugh, knock the wall down and begin building
again; child approaches peer, reaches for peers toy
and offers own toy, peer turns away, child taps peer on
shoulder and offers toy again). An exchange consists of
a response from the child and from the peer.
Note Toys that encourage interaction should be available

(e.g., balls, blocks, beanbags, puppets, dishes, boxes).
1.1 Initiates social behavior toward peer

CRITERION Child initiates social behavior toward
peer (e.g., child gives toy to peer; child smiles at
peer; child directs communication toward peer;
child waves at peer; child calls out peers name).
1.2 Responds appropriately to peers social

behavior
CRITERION Child responds with socially appropriate
affect to peers social behavior (e.g., peer says,
Hi, child says, Hi; when peer hits child, child
says, Dont; peer offers cracker, child takes it).
1.3 Plays near one or two peers

CRITERION Child maintains play near one or two
peers (e.g., child plays with toy cars and a ramp
while nearby in the same room his peer plays with
Legos; two children play in the dramatic play area,
one plays with dolls and the other pretends to cook;
two children work side by side, each putting pieces
into their own puzzle). Children do not need to be
playing in the same activity or using the same toys.
Test period:
Name:_____________________________________ Test date:
Examiner:
IFSP/
S N S N S N S N
IEP
1.4 Observes peers

CRITERION Child watches peers who are playing
nearby.
1.5 Entertains self by playing appropriately

with toys
CRITERION Child plays appropriately with toys
without adult assistance (e.g., with or without adult
in the room, child plays with toys by him- or herself;
in a small classroom with other children, child
selects toys and plays by him- or herself). Child may
or may not be close to adult or peers.
Note A young child who enjoys repetitious play is

allowed to pass over this item even if he or she tends
to play with a limited number of toys in a repetitious
manner.
2. Initiates and maintains communicative

exchange with peer
CRITERION Child initiates and maintains a
communicative exchange by directing gestures, signs,
vocalizations, and/or verbalizations toward peer for two
or more consecutive exchanges (e.g., child says, Lets
play cars, peer says, Okay, child rolls car and says,
Zoom, and peer says, Zoom zoom; when eating
snack with a peer, child asks peer That your cookie?
Peer clutches cookie and nods head, child asks, Can I
have one? and peer says, No). An exchange consists
of a response from the child and from the peer.
Note
Toys that encourage interactions, such as balls,
blocks, cars, dress-up clothes, puppets, musical toys,
and toy buildings, should be available for use.
Communicative interaction may be encouraged by
grouping children together with consideration for
individual child interests, peer preference, and
developmental levels of functioning.
2.1 Initiates communication with peer

CRITERION Child initiates communication by
directing gestures, signs, vocalizations, and/or
verbalizations toward peer (e.g., child points and
says to peer, See that; child pats his or her pocket
and says to peer, I have money).
2.2 Responds to communication from peer

CRITERION Child responds to communication from
peer by gesturing, signing, vocalizing, and/or
verbalizing (e.g., child approaches peer who calls
his or her name, peer waves and says Hello, child
smiles and waves back; two children pretend to
camp, peer says, bedtime, and child closes the
tent flap and puts a blanket over them).
Test date
Area Raw Score
RESULTS
Area Percent Score
SOCIAL AREA
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:
EXAMINER: DATE:
COMMENTS:

AEPS Criteria Birth To 3

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TM

Childs date of birth:

Familys name and address:

Name of person completing form:

FINE MOTOR AREA

S = Scoring key N = Notes

1. Simultaneously brings hands to midline

1.1 Makes directed batting and/or swiping

1.2 Makes nondirected movements with each

2. Brings two objects together at or near midline

2.1 Transfers object from one hand to the

2.2 Holds an object in each hand

2.3 Reaches toward and touches object with

3. Grasps hand-size object with either hand using

3.1 Grasps hand-size object with either hand

3.2 Grasps cylindrical object with either hand

3.3 Grasps hand-size object with either hand

4. Grasps pea-size object with either hand using

4.1 Grasps pea-size object with either hand using

4.2 Grasps pea-size object with either hand

4.3 Grasps pea-size object with either hand

5. Aligns and stacks objects (p. 41)

5.1 Aligns objects

5.2 Places and releases object balanced on

5.3 Releases hand-held object onto and/or

5.4 Releases hand-held object with each hand

B. Functional Use of Fine Motor Skills

1.1 Turns object over using wrist and arm

2. Assembles toy and/or object that require(s)

2.1 Fits variety of shapes into corresponding

2.2 Fits object into defined space

3. Uses either index finger to activate objects

3.1 Uses either hand to activate objects

4. Orients picture book correctly and turns pages

4.1 Turns pages of books

4.2 Turns/holds picture book right side up

5. Copies simple written shapes after

5.1 Draws circles and lines

FINE MOTOR AREA

GROSS MOTOR AREA

S = Scoring key N = Notes

1. Turns head, moves arms, and kicks legs

1.1 Turns head past 45 to the right and left

1.2 Kicks legs

1.3 Waves arms

2. Rolls by turning segmentally from stomach to

2.1 Rolls from back to stomach

2.2 Rolls from stomach to back

3. Creeps forward using alternating arm and leg

3.1 Rocks while in a creeping position

3.2 Assumes creeping position

3.3 Crawls forward on stomach

3.4 Pivots on stomach

3.5 Bears weight on one hand and/or arm

3.6 Lifts head and chest off surface with

Note A child should not be placed in or encouraged to

1.1 Assumes hands and knees position from

1.2 Regains balanced, upright sitting position

1.3 Regains balanced, upright sitting position