Defining Functionality

The three early childhood outcomes are functional in the sense that they refer to behaviors, knowledge, and skills that are meaningful for all children in their everyday lives. Functional outcomes represent an integrated series of behaviors or skills that allow the child to achieve important everyday goals. Think about how the child uses skills in action across settings and situations to accomplish things meaningful to him/her, not just his/her ability to show a skill in a specific or isolated situation.

Functionality of the Three Early Childhood Outcomes

The focus of the early childhood outcomes is functional meaningful actions. The tables below describe how each outcome involves notable depth of functionality.

Children's Functioning in Daily Routines and Settings

Click here to view a video about the functioning necessary for children to be active and successful participants at home, in the community, and in other places like child care programs or preschools, as it relates to the three early childhood outcomes. For a transcript of the video, click here.

Video Source:
Edelman, L. (Producer). (2011). Child outcomes step-by-step. Published collaboratively by Results Matter, Colorado Department of Education; Desired Results access Project, Napa County Office of Education; and Early Childhood Outcomes Center.