Study Guide

Field 205: Early Childhood Education 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T ) and online proctored test
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

Test weighting by number of questions per subarea.
Subareas Range of Competencies Approximate Percentage 
of Test
Selected-Response
 roman numeral 1  Child Development, Language, and Learning 0001–0003 16 percent 
 roman numeral 2  The Learning Environment, Physical Development, and Assessment 0004–0007 21 percent 
 roman numeral 3  Learning Across the Curriculum 0008–0014 34 percent 
 roman numeral 4  Professional Knowledge and Responsibilities 0015–0016 14 percent 
this cell intentionally left blank 85 percent 
Constructed-Response
 roman numeral 5  Analysis of Young Children's Learning 0017 15 percent 
this cell intentionally left blank 15 percent 

subarea roman numeral 1–Child Development, Language, and Learning

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of early childhood development from birth through grade three and factors that influence children's development and learning.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of expressive and receptive language development and how to provide learning experiences that encourage children's development and use of language and literacy skills.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of cognitive development of young children and how to provide instructional activities and a classroom environment that offer young children opportunities to develop a range of cognitive skills and abilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

subarea roman numeral 2–The Learning Environment, Physical Development, and Assessment

Competency 0004–Apply knowledge of methods, strategies, and procedures to create and manage positive learning environments for children in prekindergarten through grade three.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of how various types of instructional materials and resources, including current technology, can be used to support young children's learning.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0006–Understand young children's physical development and their needs related to personal health, safety, and nutrition and strategies for providing developmentally appropriate experiences and environments.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0007–Understand the goals, benefits, types, and uses of assessment to support young children and their families.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

subarea roman numeral 3–Learning Across the Curriculum

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of emergent literacy development, including phonological awareness and phonemic awareness and effective instructional strategies for promoting children's knowledge and skills in these areas.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of word identification strategies and the use of explicit and implicit instruction to promote children's knowledge and skills in applying word identification strategies.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of reading comprehension, reading fluency, and vocabulary skills and effective instructional strategies for promoting children's development in these areas.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of writing processes and effective instructional strategies for promoting young children's writing skills, including spelling proficiency.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of the fundamental skills, concepts, and vocabulary in mathematics and how to provide developmentally appropriate learning opportunities to enhance young children's mathematical understanding.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0013–Apply knowledge of the skills and concepts in science and social studies and how to provide developmentally appropriate experiences that promote young children's inquiry, exploration, and learning in these areas.

 start italics Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and practices for promoting effective school–home collaborations and encouraging families' involvement in their children's education. end italics 

Competency 0014–Apply knowledge of the role of the arts, including visual arts, music, creative movement, dance, and drama, in the overall development of young children and how to provide children with a range of meaningful experiences in the arts.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

subarea roman numeral 4–Professional Knowledge and Responsibilities

Competency 0015–Apply knowledge of strategies for building positive, collaborative relationships with children's families, other professionals, and community agencies and organizations.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0016–Understand the roles and responsibilities of early childhood teachers.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

subarea roman numeral 5–Analysis of Young Children's Learning

Competency 0017–Analyze and interpret authentic assessment and relevant student data to identify areas of need and describe developmentally appropriate strategies to effectively address individual student needs.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics