Psychometric Properties of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment in a Head Start Sample

Abstract

Effective and efficient methods are needed for identifying children who are at risk for later social—emotional challenges. Internal consistencies on the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) within this sample (N = 1208) are comparable to the DECA standardization sample. Mean t scores and standard deviations on the behavior concerns subscale are significantly higher, t(1,292) = 2.71, p = .007, than the DECA community sample, t = 55.70, but significantly lower than the DECA identified sample. Total Protective Factors scale scores are inversely related to Behavior Concerns scale scores. The same three protective factors structure exists in the Head Start sample; however, there are differences in item loadings when compared to the DECA standardization sample. Overall, the psychometric properties of the DECA for this Head Start sample provide additional support for its inclusion within the mental health services provided to Head Start populations.