Assessing speech and language is an intensive and time-consuming process. A variety of strategies should be used, from language sampling and formal tests to observations of the child's behaviors in natural settings. A few particularly noteworthy tests for preschoolers are presented in the table below. Because new tests appear on the market often and because of the unique needs of young children, it is wise to consult a speech-language pathologist to determine how best to assess current communication skills.
| Test | Author/Publisher | Description |
| Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Test (3rd ed.) | Bzoch, K., League, R., & Brown, V. (2003). Austin, TX: PRO-ED. | The REEL–2 is a revision of an earlier tool. Designed for use in early intervention programs, it assesses both receptive and expressive language via parent interviews of infants and toddlers. |
| Boehm Test of Basic Concepts 3–Preschool Version | Boehm, A. (2001). New York: Psychological Corporation. | The Boehm Preschool Version assesses the knowledge in children aged 3 to 5 years of 26 basic relational concepts necessary to begin school. |
| Sequenced Inventory of Communication Development (Rev. ed.) | Hendrick, D., Prather, E., & Tobin, A. (1984). Austin, TX: PRO-ED. | The SICD–R is a diagnostic battery useful with children whose functional levels range from 4 months to 4 years. The kit includes engaging materials designed to hold even the youngest child’s attention. |
| Test of Early Language Development–(3rd ed.) | Hresko, W., Reid, D. K., & Hammill, D. (1999). New York: Psychological Corporation. | The TELD–3 is a diagnostic language test for use with children from 2.0 to 7.11 years of age. It provides data on receptive and expressive language systems and syntactic/semantic language features. |
| Preschool Language Scale (4th ed.) and Preschool Language Scale–Spanish Edition | Zimmerman, I., Steiner, V., & Pond, R. (2002). New York: Psychological Corporation. | The PLS–4 assesses auditory comprehension and expressive communication in children from 2 weeks of age to 6 years 11 months. |
| Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Preschool (2nd ed.) | Wiig, E. H., Secord, W., & Semel, E. M. (2004). New York: Psychological Corporation. | Measures a broad range of receptive and expressive language skills in children aged 3 to 6. |
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