The T&E Assessment is administered using Zoom technology on a desktop or laptop computer, or on a tablet, in the child’s home.
During the assessment, the child should be sitting in a chair at a table and be wearing comfortable headphones to block out noise and to help focus on the materials (Amazon sells an assortment of reasonably priced headphones. The assessor will stop the assessment should the child remove the headphones and will resume when the child puts them back on. Laptops and tablets should be set up on a flat surface so the child’s hands are free. Please leave up to 45 minutes for the entirety of the assessment though it may take much less time.
Upon starting the T&E, the assessor guides the child through a variety of developmentally appropriate activities. The cohort of assessors are a diverse group of early childhood professionals who have been expertly trained to administer the T&E. During the T&E session, one adult (e.g., parent, guardian, caregiver, family member) is required to be present; however, this person is expected to only provide technological support as needed.
Once the adult and child greet the assessor, and all technology needs have been met, the adult must put on headphones or earbuds and connect to a phone, tablet, or computer and engage in an activity that does not require typing--i.e., watching a video. The adult is welcome to listen to a podcast but must avoid observing the child.
By wearing earbuds and focusing on something other than the child, the adult is both modeling what the child should be doing and improving the odds of the child feeling comfortable with the assessor. If at any time the assessor needs the adult’s attention, he or she will ask the child to turn around and signal.