Testing in PreK
Testing PreK Requirements
Students enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) PreK: Family and Early Childhood Education Program (FECEP)/Head Start classes are assessed to monitor their early skill development. Required tests for FCPS PreK: FECEP/Head Start students are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name.
Test Name | Requirement Source | Content Tested | Purpose of Test | Time Needed* | Schedule** | Results Distribution |
Ages and Stages Questionnaire |
State ONLY for students without an Individualized Education Program (IEP) |
Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social Skills | To identify gaps in foundational skills and identify students who may be in need of additional supports | Approx. 30 minutes | Within 45 days of enrollment | Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) |
State |
Social Emotional Skills | To measure self-control and the ability to successfully interact with peers and adults | Approx. 20 minutes |
Sept. 18 to Oct. 13 April 8 to May 17 |
Mailed or published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
Early Childhood Rubric | State | Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical and Social-Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning | To measure development across a broad range of skills | Approx. 30 minutes |
Jan. 16 to Jan. 24 Mar. 12 to Mar. 21 May 28 to June 7 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) |
State |
Mathematics | To measure early mathematics abilities and growth | Approx. 20 minutes |
Sept. 18 to Oct. 13 April 8 to May 17 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
PreK Language and Literacy Screener (LLS) |
State |
Phonological Awareness, Literacy | To identify gaps in foundational literacy skills and measure progress | Approx. 30 minutes |
Oct. 9 to Oct. 31 April 22 to May 17 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
PreK Progress Summary Forms | Division | Literacy, Numeracy, Social Skills | To provide parents/guardians and caregivers quarterly updates on student strengths and strategies to support at home | Ongoing |
Oct. 16 to Oct. 27 Jan. 16 to Jan. 25 Mar. 12 to Mar. 21 May 28 to June 7 |
Distributed to parents/guardians at the end of each quarter |
* The amount of time needed for testing varies by student. All times are estimates.
** Schedule dates represent the window of time during which tests may be given. Each school sets and communicates the specific date for each test.