Paul A. LeBuffe, M.A.
Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D.
DECA-C was designed to support early intervention efforts to reduce and/or eliminate significant emotional and behavioral concerns in preschoolers, between the ages of 2 and 6. The DECA-C assesses both social-emotional strengths (protective factors) and behavioral concerns.
The DECA-C can be used to:
- Guide interventions
- Identify children needing special services
- Assess outcomes
- Help programs meet the requirements of Head Start and Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004 (IDEA 2004)
How to Use the Asssessment
The The DECA-C provides a wealth of information with only 62 items. This tool takes 15 minutes for a teacher or parent to complete. Scoring is made simple by a user-friendly record form that provides results in both graph and written form.
DECA-C includes three Protective Factor Scales (Initiative, Self-control, and Attachment), in addition to four Behavioral Concerns Scales (Attention Problems, Aggression, Withdrawal/ Depression, Emotional Control Problems). The DECA-C can be completed by both teachers and parents, but must be interpreted by a behavioral healthcare or special education professional.
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- Initiative
- Self-Control
- Attachment
- Attention Problems
- Aggression
- Withdrawal/Depression
- Emotional Control Problems