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Early screening, observations, and ongoing assessment provide educators with the data needed to identify students who may need additional assistance in social-emotional, behavioral, and academic development. Understanding the function of undesired behaviors and determining areas in which students are struggling is crucial in building a comprehensive action plan to maximize positive student outcomes. To provide the guidance needed, early childhood special education professionals must first understand the best practices in how to gather, analyze, and interpret data.

• Describe how the collection and analysis of behavioral data can assist in maintaining a positive classroom environment for all students.
• Describe the benefits of three different methods of documenting and organizing observed behavioral data with one method being a technology tool.
• Identify factors that might influence or hinder accurate behavioral data collection.
• Explain the importance of collaborating with families in the process of collecting data about students' home environment and family dynamics. Provide specific examples.
• Describe how you will work with families to create common behavioral goals for young children in both the school and home environment.
• Discuss how the collection of behavioral data would differ between the birth to preschool environment and the K-Grade 3 environment.
• Compare the collection of behavioral data about children with and without exceptionalities. Explain necessary modifications to collection methods to gather valid information about individual student abilities and needs.

Reference: Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)