As part of child outcomes reporting, the DR Access Project annually calculates the percent of preschoolers exiting preschool special education functioning at age expectations in “Use of Appropriate Behaviors to Meet Needs”*.
Children experienced reduced physical activity levels due to COVID-19 lockdowns** and spent less time in the community and classroom where they practice adaptive skills, leading to a decline in the percent of SELPAs meeting state targets for preschoolers functioning at age expectations between spring 2019 and winter 2021. Most children returned to classrooms by spring 2021.
Through the incredible efforts of teachers, service providers, and families, the percent of SELPAs meeting the age expectation target for Actions to Meet Needs increased in 2021-2022.
Visit DRAccessOutcomes.org to find your local preschool outcomes data in Appropriate Behaviors to Meet Needs development!
*Use of Appropriate Behaviors to Meet Needs measures skills and independence in movement, manipulating things, eating and drinking, dressing, toileting, and safety awareness.
https://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/eco/three-child-outcomes-breadth.pdf
**Theis, N., Campbell, N., De Leeuw, J., Owen, M., & Schenke, K. C. (2021). The effects of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Disability and health journal, 14(3), 101064.
