Norm-Based vs. Criterion-Based Assessments: What Parents Need to Know
- spawluk21
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 5
As a parent, you’ve probably heard terms like norm-based assessment and criterion-based assessment when it comes to your child’s development. These words can sound a little intimidating, but understanding the difference can help you feel more confident in supporting your child. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense - and look at why a tool like the AEPS-3 can be especially helpful.
What is a Norm-Based Assessment?
A norm-based assessment compares your child’s skills to a large group of children the same age. It answers the question: “How does my child’s development compare to their peers?”
Think of it like a growth chart at the doctor’s office.
It gives you percentiles (for example, “your child’s fine motor skills are in the 60th percentile”).
It helps identify whether your child is ahead, right on track, or may need extra support in certain areas.
What it offers parents:
A broad picture of where your child is compared to others their age.
Useful for spotting developmental delays early.
Used by doctors, specialists, and schools for screenings.
What is a Criterion-Based Assessment?
A criterion-based assessment looks at whether your child can do specific skills, regardless of how other children are performing. It answers the question: “What skills has my child mastered, and what’s next?”
Think of it like a checklist of milestones and abilities.
It focuses on progress over time, not comparison.
It helps guide teaching and play by showing exactly what skills to encourage next.
What it offers parents:
A clear roadmap of your child’s strengths and emerging skills.
Practical information you can use at home or in the classroom.
A way to celebrate small but meaningful progress.
Why the AEPS-3 Stands Out
The AEPS-3 (Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children, Third Edition) is a criterion-based assessment tool that goes beyond simply “measuring.”
Here’s why it’s so valuable:
Whole-child focus: It looks across multiple developmental areas: communication, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, adaptive, and more.
Play-based approach: Children are assessed in natural routines and play, which reduces stress and shows a more authentic picture of their abilities.
Built for growth: Instead of just labeling where your child is, it highlights what skills are emerging and how to support the next step forward.
Collaboration-friendly: Parents, caregivers, and educators can all contribute to the assessment, making it a shared picture of the child.
Can the AEPS-3 Identify Delays?
Yes it can. While the AEPS-3 isn’t a norm-based screener that gives percentiles, it is designed to show whether a child is meeting expected developmental milestones and functional skills for their age.
Spotting gaps: If a child is missing foundational skills, the AEPS-3 highlights those gaps clearly.
Early warning: It flags when a child may be falling behind in certain areas.
Guidance for next steps: Unlike many screeners, the AEPS-3 doesn’t stop at “delay/no delay.” It points directly to the skills that need support and offers a roadmap for how to help.
Because of this, many professionals use the AEPS-3 alongside norm-based tools. A norm-based screener can tell you whether a child is below the expected range compared to peers, while the AEPS-3 digs deeper to show which skills are missing and how to support growth.
The Takeaway for Parents
Norm-based assessments are great for comparing your child’s development to peers and spotting possible delays.
Criterion-based assessments are great for showing what your child can do and what comes next.
The AEPS-3 combines the best of both worlds - it helps identify areas where a child may be struggling and provides practical next steps to support growth in real-life settings.
In other words, instead of just asking “Where does my child stand?”, the AEPS-3 helps you ask and answer “How can we support their growth today and tomorrow?”
Ready to Learn More?
At Early Insights Consulting, I specialize in using tools like the AEPS-3 to help parents, caregivers, and educators better understand children’s development and find the right next steps forward. If you’d like to learn more about how an AEPS-3 assessment can support your child’s growth, feel free to contact me to get started!