Free Assessment Tools for First Steps Providers for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

As part of the Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) activities, DESE has partnered with Missouri State University to provide free assessment tools to Missouri First Steps providers working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Available assessment tools include:

  • The MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDI), 
  • The Visual Communication and Sign Language Checklist (VCSL), 
  • The Cottage Acquisition Scales for Listening, Language, and Speech (CASLLS) 

Providers may contact Missouri State University MO LEAD-K Project to order assessment tools or schedule a consultation by phone 417-836-3309 or email MOLEADK@missouristate.edu. 

DESE is also working to assist families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing milestones for American Sign Language (ASL) and English language and literacy for children ages birth to 5 years. Visit DESE’s Early Connections website for LEAD-K  resources to share with parents.