Domains of the ELS

The ELS examines children's development across three domains:

Math and Science:

Social Emotional and Social Studies:

Language and Literacy:

The following criteria were utilized in deciding the content of the ELS. Content items need to:

• Be measurable.
• Develop on a continuum.
• Be critical to present and future learning.

The ELS includes physical development and the arts in the collection of data and evidence for children, but does not score on a continuum for these domains. Often at the preschool level, standards indicate that children should begin to explore and develop an “appreciation for the arts.” This is something that is difficult to observe and not appropriate to place on a continuum.

Additionally, physical development is usually best assessed through direct testing and often conducted using a checklist rather than a continuum. These domains are included in the guidebook because of their importance for teachers to notice, document, and intervene specifically when concerns arise, but are not scored on the ELS instrument.