AlaKiDS

See a list of AlaKiDS Skills Assessed at this link.

What is AlaKiDS?
AlaKiDS is a whole child assessment given in the first month of Kindergarten that will provide Kindergarten
teacher with needed information on a child's independent skills and abilities. This will be a valuable tool to help
guide instruction and set goals for each child.

Why AlaKiDS?
Due to COVID19, Alabama’s early learning programs, child care, and the livelihoods of families have been disrupted.
This disruption has put many of Alabama’s children at risk of entering kindergarten behind the widely held
expectation of a typically developing five-year-old. AlaKiDS is a whole child assessment that will provide the
Kindergarten teacher with needed information on a child's independent skills and abilities.

How will the assessment be given?
Teachers will administer the assessment during the first month of school to obtain the most accurate results.
Assessment is administered in small group settings and/or with individual child. AlaKiDS is an online portfolio
with a paper version included for data collection purposes. A materials kit will be provided.

How long does the assessment take?
Teachers will have 3-4 weeks from the beginning of school to give the assessment. It does not have to be
administered in a particular time frame as long as all children are completed by the fourth week.

Can assessment be done virtually if needed?
The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education is currently working to respond to this possibility. There is a
family engagement component with AlaKiDS.