St. Peter Preschool Staff are trained to administer the Brigance Screening Tool.

Brigance is a screening tool widely used by schools for students in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade. The BRIGANCE® Early Childhood Screen III (3–5 years) is a collection of quick, highly accurate assessments and data-gathering tools to use with children three through five years of age. All assessments in the Screen III have been nationally standardized, producing scores that are highly reliable, valid, and accurate. Assessment items in the age-specific screens are norm-referenced as well as criterion referenced and cover a broad sampling of a child’s skills and behaviors.

Key developmental areas include:

• Physical Development
• Language Development
• Academic Skills/Cognitive Development (Literacy and Mathematics)

Screening results are used to:

1. Identify as early as possible children who may have developmental delays or disabilities as well as children who may have advanced development or giftedness so that any necessary referrals for further testing or special services can take place as soon as possible.
2. Determine school readiness by assessing a child’s mastery of those age-appropriate skills that prepare the child for the classroom and promote the child’s future success.
3. Guide instructional planning and monitor progress over time.