NDEHS uses the Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment system to assess children’s developmental abilities, knowledge, and skills. NDEHS teachers and home visitors assess children through observation and evaluate those assessments as compared to widely held expectations for children their age.

Assessments are finalized three times a year in November, March, and June. Children are assessed in the following developmental domains:

Teachers and home visitors share assessment results with parents and families during parent/teacher conferences or home visits and use the information to plan experiences to support the child’s growth.

If there is a concern about a child’s development, NDEHS staff will talk with the parents about the possibility of referring the child for further evaluation.