Compliance
Indicator

The program maintains age-appropriate Desired Results Developmental Profiles 2015 (DRDP 2015) to monitor the progress of the child’s learning. The program uses DRDP data to plan and conduct age and developmentally appropriate activities. 

NOTE: Programs are invited to become early adopters of the DRDP 2025 and use DRDP 2025 in place of or alongside DRDP 2015; however, DRDP 2015 remains required for children with IEPs or IFSPs until June 30, 2026. 

Regulations/Reference

EED Program Instrument: III. Program Quality EED 16
Education Code: 8203, 8203.5, & 8207
Title 5: 17700 (v-x), 17702, 17703, 17709, & 17731

Monitoring Review Evidence

• Completed Desired Results Development Profiles

• Activity Plans

• Development Profile

• Desired Results Development Profile Classroom Summary of Findings

Video Description: This video provides an overview of the Desired Results Developmental Profile requirements for children enrolled in center-based programs.

DRDP Overview

Orientation to the DRDP

The Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) is a child observation tool that aligns with the California Learning Foundations.

DRDP provides teachers with a means to assess children's learning along a Developmental Continuum from Infancy through third grade.

The DRDP (2025) was designed for use with all children including those with IFSPs, IEPs, and dual language learners and reflects current research in child development and emphasizes inclusivity.

The DRDP is a formative assessment instrument developed by the California Department of Education & California Department of Social Services for young children and their families to be used to inform instruction & program development.

Beginning July 1, 2026, teachers must use & complete the age-appropriate DRDP 2025 view for each child enrolled in their preschool program.

Timelines

Complete age-appropriate DRDP for each child enrolled in the program for at least 10 hours per week and for any child with exceptional needs

Complete for each child between 60 to 90 calendar days of the child's enrollment in the program

Completed at least once every 6 months thereafter

NOTE: For Head Start programs, a mid-point check or 3 collections is typically completed 

Preparation

The DRDP Assessment Tools are available to download on the Desired Results webpage.

Before collecting assessment evidence, read through the entire DRDP assessment tool to know what behaviors & skills to consider. Pay special attention to the 4 D's of the assessment (Domain/Definitions/Developmental Levels/Descriptors)

The DRDP is made up of eight domains that each focus on the acquisition of knowledge, skills, or behaviors that reflect each domain’s developmental constructs.

NOTE: Within the DRDP 2025 Instrument & Forms webpage, printing instructions have been provided as the layout has changed. One measure has been spread out over two pages; therefore, the instructions ensure the instrument prints adequately.

Applicable CSPP instrument views:

1. Infant/Toddler (I/T):

   • In CSPP, for children two years eight months & younger

2. Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten (PTK):

   • In CSPP, for children two years nine months & older

   • Covers preschool, transitional kindergarten, & kindergarten development

   • Measure levels go through Integrating Later

NOTE: There will no longer be different views for preschool like there was for DRDP 2015 (Essential, Fundamental, Comprehensive). The tool is designed for use with all children including those with IFSPs, IEPs, and dual language learners.

STEP 1: Observation & Documentation

West Ed DRDP Resources. DRDP Uploading Photo and Video to the DRDP Online Portfolio for Teachers [Video]. Embedded May 18, 2026 from desiredresults.us

West Ed DRDP Resources. DRDP Online-Using the Portfolio Feature for Teachers [Video]. Embedded May 18, 2026 from YouTube.com

Since the DRDP focuses on the child's behavior, knowledge & skills, the first step is to capture a child's behavior through incorporating observation in natural settings.

Observations are completed & maintained in a paper portfolio OR electronic child portfolio to keep the observation documentation organized

What this might look like in practice:

Directly document and upload child observations within DRDP Online Portfolio feature.

STEP 2: Measures are Rated

West Ed DRDP Resources. Input Ratings in DRDP Online for Teachers [Video]. Embedded May 18, 2026 from YouTube.com

Based on the supporting observation records, the educator will determine the latest developmental level for each measure the child has mastered & mark it appropriately within DRDP Online.  

STEP 3: Finalize Assessment Data

West Ed DRDP Resources. Rating And Locking Measures in DRDP Online for Teachers [Video]. Embedded May 18, 2026 from YouTube.com

For early education & support programs the ratings must be entered into DRDP Online.

Once ratings have been inputed the assessment data must be finalized. This is done by LOCKING the rating record.

NOTE: The use of DRDP Online meets the record retention requirement. No paper copies of the rating record are when assessment data is stored in DRDP Online.

STEP 4: Data Planning

Contractors are required to use DRDP Online to obtain psychometrically valid reports. Based on the results, DRDP outcomes are linked to individual, group & program level planning:

Child: Using the Child Development Progress form & DRDP Online Parent Progress Report, results are shared at the parent teacher conference. In collaboration with parent, child goals & strategies are established.

HIGHLIGHT: Check-out our Parent-Teacher Conference kit

Group: Educator will develop strategies based on DRDP group data for intentional group planning at the classroom/family child care home level.

Program: After the last collection, DRDP data is analyzed at the program level by age group. Based on the findings, contractors must define at least one educational goal to address important issues & document it on the Summary of Findings Program Action Plan Educational Goal form along with developing & writing attainable action steps & the expected completion date & persons responsible.

West Ed DRDP Resources. DRDP Online: Parent Progress Report [Video]. Embedded April 16, 2024 from YouTube.com

West Ed DRDP Resources. DRDP Online: Class Planning Report [Video]. Embedded April 16, 2024 from YouTube.com

Activity Planning

West Ed DRDP Resources.
Using the Activity Bank in DRDP Online [Video]. Embedded May 18, 2026 from YouTube.com

Educators use DRDP information to plan & conduct age & developmentally appropriate activities. Activity plans are developed using ALL of the following:

1. Agency adopted curriculum

2. California’s Learning Foundations AND Curriculum Frameworks

3. Educators incorporate strategies to meet individual child goals within lesson plans, which MUST be documented on the activity plan using a letter or number system tied to the child

4. In addition, classroom & program activities are incorporated into lesson plans based on the Summary of Finding Action Plans

After reviewing the video lesson & sketch pad notes, it’s time to check for understanding by completing a Knowledge Check. Note that Individual Knowledge Checks will conclude with a Certificate.

Start Individual Knowledge Check (ProProfs) >

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