Assessing Communication Skills in Early Learners

Before we can support communication growth, we need to understand how a student is currently communicating. Children communicate in many ways—through behavior, facial expressions, gestures, vocalizations, and emerging use of symbols or AAC. This section provides tools to guide teams in observing, understanding, and documenting a student’s current communication abilities and needs.

✅ The Communication Matrix

The Communication Matrix is a free, or inexpensive online survey based assessment tool. It provides a thorough formal, research-based assessment designed to:

• Identify the forms of communication a student uses
• Determine the functions or purposes behind those communications (e.g., requesting, rejecting, social interaction)
• Support students who are at the earliest stages of communication through symbolic communication

Created by Dr. Charity Rowland, the Matrix is especially helpful for students with complex communication needs and can be used to track progress over time.

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The Matrix can be completed simply by observing the child, interviewing family and other familiar partners.

🔗 Access the free online tool at www.communicationmatrix.org

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📝 Communication Modes Worksheet

This simple observation tool helps teams begin to answer key questions:

• How is our student currently communicating?
• What types of communication are they using—gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, words, or AAC systems?
• Why are they communicating—what are they trying to express?

This worksheet is designed for use during typical classroom activities and routines. It provides a foundational understanding of how students express themselves and whether current communication strategies are effective or need to be expanded.

Download Below!

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🔧 SETT Framework (Student – Environment – Tasks – Tools)

Developed by Joy Zabala, the SETT Framework helps teams make informed decisions about assistive technology, including AAC, by considering:

• Student: What are the student’s current abilities and needs?
• Environment: Where does the student need to communicate, and with whom?
• Tasks: What tasks require communication across the day?
• Tools: What AAC supports, strategies, and systems can support success?

We’ve created a simplified SETT worksheet and a list of guiding questions tailored for early childhood teams to use during IEP meetings, AAC discussions, and team planning. These help ensure we look at the whole child and their learning environment when considering AAC supports. Take a look at our Case Study, Ethan. You'll find his Communication Matrix and SETT Framework.

🔗 Download our Simplified SETT Framework Worksheet HERE or below.
🔗 Visit JoyZabala.com to learn more about the SETT Framework

🔗 Review our Case Study, check out little Ethan's Communication Matrix results and the SETT Framework findings from our team meeting HERE or below!

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Together, these tools help teams build a strong foundation for selecting AAC strategies and systems that match a student’s current abilities and future goals. Whether you're getting started with a new student or refining your understanding, these assessments provide clarity and direction.

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