Accuracy and Efficiency of the Speech Language Early Literacy Screening Checklist for Korean Children Aged 5-6 Years...

Early identification of speech, language, and literacy difficulties in preschool-aged children is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of long-term academic challenges.

This study aimed to evaluate the Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist (SLELSC), a tool designed to assess key developmental milestones in 5- to 6-year-old children before they enter elementary school.

The checklist was developed based on critical aspects of language acquisition, narrative discourse, phonological development, and emergent literacy skills, which collectively support the transition to formal education. A total of 155 children participated in this study, including 45 typically developing children and 110 children identified as at risk for speech, language, or literacy difficulties.

The SLELSC demonstrated strong content validity (average CVI = 0.91) and clinical validity, with a significant difference in scores between the at-risk and typically developing groups. ROC curve analysis identified an optimal cut-off score of 19.5, yielding a sensitivity of 84.4% and specificity of 76.4%. The checklist also showed high diagnostic accuracy, with a positive predictive value of 92.31% and a comparatively lower negative predictive value of 59.38%, indicating that while the tool is effective in identifying children at risk, further refinement may be needed to improve its ability to rule out difficulties.

The findings of this study provide strong evidence for the SLELSC as a valid and reliable tool for use in clinical and educational settings. By facilitating early assessment, this checklist contributes to the timely provision of support services, helping to mitigate the long-term effects of language and literacy delays.

What is already known on this subject Early identification of speech, language, and literacy difficulties is essential for academic and social development. Approximately 10%-20% of preschoolers experience such challenges, which can lead to long-term educational and psychosocial difficulties. While various developmental screening tools exist, they often lack a specific focus on key linguistic domains for children nearing school entry. In South Korea, there is no standardised screening tool for 5- to 6-year-olds. The Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist was developed to address this gap, demonstrating initial reliability and validity, but further validation is needed to confirm its diagnostic accuracy.What this study adds to existing knowledge This study confirms the Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist as a valid and reliable tool for identifying preschool-aged children at risk for language and literacy difficulties. The checklist demonstrated strong clinical accuracy, with high sensitivity and specificity, making it effective for early detection. Additionally, it highlights the need for domain-specific cut-off scores to enhance diagnostic precision. By facilitating timely intervention before school entry, this screening tool provides a practical solution for educators and clinicians, helping to mitigate long-term academic and social challenges associated with early speech and language delays.What are the potential or actual clinical implication of this work? The Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist provides a clinically valid and reliable tool for early identification of at-risk children before school entry. Its high sensitivity ensures that most children with speech, language, or literacy difficulties receive timely intervention. The checklist can be effectively utilised in preschool settings by educators and clinicians to support early screening and referral. Additionally, refining cut-off scores for specific domains may further improve diagnostic accuracy. Future research should explore its application across diverse populations and its long-term impact on academic and social outcomes, strengthening early intervention strategies in clinical and educational settings.