AEPA Early Childhood Education study guide
AEPA Early Childhood Education · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Early Childhood Education is one of the subject knowledge tests in the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) program, listed on the AEPA test table under test code AZ036. It appears alongside other Arizona educator certification tests such as Elementary Education Subtests I and II, Special Education: Early Childhood, and Professional Knowledge-Early Childhood. AEPA testing requirements depend on the certification type a candidate is seeking; the program directs candidates to confirm which tests are required for an Arizona teaching certificate before registering, and separate pages cover test dates and sites, registration, score reporting policies, and preparation materials. The AEPA site notes that appointments are available year round on a first-come, first-served basis, and online proctoring allows candidates to test remotely, including from home. The AEPA Early Childhood Education study guide has 4 sections and about 1,211 words.
01Child Development and Learning
Early childhood development questions reward a stage-wise view of the whole child. Know the broad sequences and typical ages for motor milestones (head control, sitting, crawling, walking, pincer grasp), language (cooing, babbling, first words, two-word phrases, telegraphic speech), and social-emotional growth (attachment, separation anxiety, parallel versus cooperative play, self-regulation).
321 words, about 2 min02Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum questions test your ability to design integrated, play-based, standards-aligned experiences. Know the difference between teacher-directed and child-initiated activity and when each is appropriate.
293 words, about 1 min03Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment questions probe the purpose of each tool. Know formative (ongoing, informs instruction) versus summative (end-of-unit, measures outcomes), and screening (identifies who may need further evaluation) versus diagnostic (pinpoints specific needs) versus progress monitoring (tracks response to intervention).
296 words, about 1 min04Professionalism and Family/Community Relationships
This domain tests ethical conduct, collaboration, and family engagement. Know the core of confidentiality (FERPA-style protections), mandated reporting, and professional boundaries.
301 words, about 2 min