Developing a General Outcome Measure of Growth in Movement for Infants and Toddlers

Abstract

Proficiency in movement, an important outcome in early childhood, is necessary for physical, cognitive, and social—emotional development. The development of an experimental measure for assessing growth in movement in children ages birth to 3 years is described. Based on general outcome measurement (GOM) procedures (e.g., Deno, 1997), the measure was intended for the identification of children having difficulty acquiring movement skills and the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions for these children. Results from its use with a sample of 29 infants and toddlers demonstrated the feasibility of the measure. The 6-minute GOM was found to be reliable in terms of interobserver agreement and odd—even and alternate forms indices. Adequate criterion validity was demonstrated through use of a standardized measure of motor abilities and caregiver ratings of children's movement skills. The GOM was sensitive to changes in key skill elements and growth in total movement rate with age. This Movement GOM holds great promise as a quick, inexpensive, and readily interpretable means of monitoring growth in movement for children from birth to 3 years.