ECEA UPK Policy Recommendation
To elevate outcomes in Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program and ensure the state’s $300+ million annual investment delivers measurable impact, policymakers should immediately shift to a modern, preschool-based framework. This includes expanding the state’s approved assessment list to incorporate brief, direct measures of executive function (5–7 minute game-based tools such as Reflection Sciences EFgo) and strength-based social-emotional protective factors (such as the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment—DECA), while eventually requiring pre- and post-administration within the UPK year for all participating children. These evidence-based tools provide objective, culturally fair growth data that isolate UPK’s true impact—unlike current delayed measures that include approximately one-third of children who never attended preschool—while delivering immediate, individualized reports and resources to teachers and families. This responsive approach will close opportunity gaps faster, reduce teacher burden, justify sustained funding to taxpayers, and position Colorado as the national leader in early childhood outcomes.
Your Complete Executive Function (EF) Solution
Only EFgo™ offers a complete integrated solution for objectively measuring and improving EF in early childhood. Executive Function (EF) is the cognitive science term for the brain skills involved in decision-making: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control. Peer-reviewed scientific research shows that EF skills are essential to academic and social-emotional success. Research also shows EF can be improved through classroom practice and be a better indicator of success than an IQ test.
When the assessment is complete, the teacher and parents receive information on how the child scored. Then an individualized education plan is available with structured activities that can help the child to develop based on their score. Here's a sample activity you can see.
Data Shows Why You MUST Support Executive Function Skills
Four PAGES of research studies show how effective the EFgo™ app is to support Executive Function in early childhood. See the list here:https://reflectionsciences.com/wp-content/uploads/MEFS-App-Research-Projects.pdf
EFgo™ Assessment
Watch this quick video to learn more!
EFgo™ Assessment
$20 USD per child
(lowest price in the NATION)
EFgo™ provides an efficient and reliable way to directly assess Executive Functioning skills. The ease of use, child engagement, and immediate scoring compared to national norms makes the App ideal for Executive Function research with children. The App can be administered repeatedly to the same child to track changes over time. The EFgo™ App is the most reliable Executive Function measure for children as young as 24 months.
Prefer to order direct? Contact Mills Snowden at [email protected]
Tell him you heard about this through ECEA!
ADD TO CARTEFgo allowed me to adjust my teaching to meet their individual needs.
K.L.
I like the way EFgo is like a game for them and helps them following directions. It's not all about memorizing abc's and 123. Makes me look at teaching a little differently as well.
R.L.
EFgo helped me to meet kiddos where they were on their learning path.
C.L.
Social Emotional Assessments using DECA
The Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) develops research-supported, strength-based resources to support professionals and families in their efforts to enhance children's social and emotional well-being and prevent or reduce challenging behaviors. They value the strengths, happiness, and resilience of all children and promote the well-being of the adults who parent, nurture, and educate children. The DCRC approach, which uses data to inform decisions and track progress, involves families and providers working together as a team to provide consistent, nurturing and developmentally appropriate care. And it results in positive outcomes for children!
Learn How Using the e-DECA Can Make a Difference For You and Your Program.
Whether you use the paper version or the digital version, you will have a strong understanding of where each child is and how to build out their social emotional skills.
e-DECA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vld0yOtO0bo
