Using picture identification for research with preschool children

Assessing preschool childrens' health knowledge and skill levels, and their recognition of health behavior, prove essential in developing and maintaining effective health education programs. However, the intent of the assessment process, and the methodology, must be carefully considered. Picture identification can be appropriately used to determine the status of a young child's health knowledge or skills and thus decide how the child might benefit from further learning experiences. Knowledge or skill assessment for young children primarily involves observing children while they demonstrate knowledge through an activity or behavior, although this assessment may be supplemented with a checklist or instrument, such as a picture identification instrument. This article 1) reviews the reliability of picture identification tools in previous studies; 2) provides recommendations for assessing health knowledge of preschool children; and 3) suggests ways health knowledge data can be used appropriately in early childhood education programs. The result of quality knowledge and skill assessment provides direction for program planners in developing appropriate health education programs for preschoolers.