The Preschool Language Scale, Fifth Edition (PLS-5) is used to measure language abilities.  It was chosen as a measure of receptive and expressive language for both English and Spanish speaking children, and it will serve as an indicator of language development over time.  Administrations at ages 2, 3, and 4, including the two years prior to Kindergarten, will provide information on children’s growth within Educare.

Administer the auditory comprehension section.  If directed by your site, administer the expressive communication section.

Who: Every Educare child with parental consent for the National Evaluation

Type:  Direct individual child assessment

Assessor: Assessors may vary by site; LEPs, Family Support Staff, other Educare (non-instructional) staff are common assessors

Timing of Assessment:   At 24-26* months (age 2), 36-38 months (age 3**), in the Fall of the child’s first Head Start*** year and each Spring thereafter

*Note: at ages 2 and 3, conduct the assessment on or after the child’s birthday (not before, if at all possible, as the standard score is very different “pre-birthday”).

**Note: If age 3 assessment is within 6 months of Fall assessment period, an additional Fall assessment is not required.

***Note: The “Head Start” years refer to the two years prior to eligibility for kindergarten.  

Timing of data submission to FPG: Child assessment data are submitted in December and June.

Variables entered into the web database:   Raw scores and standard score for each section administered, and a total raw and standard score if both sections are administered, and date of administration for each section administered.

Notes for administration:

Data collectors should read the test book/administration easel and practice administration with a few adults until they feel confident enough to practice with 2, 3, or 4 year old children.  They should practice many times; record themselves and review the video; practice more until they feel comfortable, then send a video with the test protocol and completed site review to FPG for review and approval.

Administer the assessment as stated in the manual.  The starting point is determined by calculating the child’s chronological age and the end point is determined by the ceiling rule of 6 consecutive errors.  A basal is established with 3 consecutive correct responses.  If the first 3 responses are not all correct, preceding items are administered until the child has 3 consecutive correct responses. 

Items may be administered out of sequence to maximize the child’s performance and maintain their attention. If testing out of sequence, make sure to correctly apply the ceiling rule.

PLS-5 – Spanish and Dual Language Administration:

If choosing to conduct a Spanish only assessment to get a Spanish raw and growth scale score, administer all items in Spanish. Ask child to respond in Spanish if they respond in English.  English responses will be considered incorrect in calculating a Spanish-only raw score, but will be counted as correct if continuing the assessment to get a dual language score. Please refer to the PLS manual for guidance. Please note on the FPG video review form if your submitted video shows English-only, Spanish-only, or dual language administration.

For more information, please visit the subchapter on Spanish-only and Dual Language Administration.

Linking the PLS-5 to the Educare Learning Network Logic Model

Child Progress Measures and Language/Literacy:

• Children will demonstrate age- appropriate:  language skills, emergent literacy skills, numeracy skills, problem-solving skills, and logical and symbolic thinking skills
• Children with delays and disabilities in language/communication will be identified and given appropriate services