How can we help? Below are answers to the most common questions regarding the DRDP, the DRDP Online system, and training resources. If you don't find what you are looking for, please call 1.800.770.6339 or email desiredresults@wested.org.
1. Will the DRDP (2025) be required in transitional kindergarten (TK) through 3rd-grade classrooms during the elementary school day?
The Desired Results Developmental Profile [DRDP (2025)] is not required for transitional kindergarten (TK) and K students without Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Additionally, the DRDP is not required in Grades 1-3 classrooms. Please refer to the California Department of Education’s (CDE) FAQs for more specific guidance for California State Preschool Programs (CSPP).
2. For school-age children who attend CDSS before- and after-school programs (e.g., Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA) for at least 10 hours per week, including children in TK, which DRDP assessment should be completed?
The DRDP School-Age assessment would be used for all children in the California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) before- and after-school programs for at least 10 hours per week.
(Title 5 Div 1 Chapter 18.5, Subchapter 2, 5 CCR § 17702, § 17702. Developmental Profile.)
3. If a child moves from one contract type to another, does another assessment need to be completed within 60-90 days?
For specific program questions, please contact the CDE or CDSS directly.
- For CDSS Child Care Programs: contact the Assigned Program Quality and Improvement Consultant (PQI) listed on the CDSS Child Care and Development Contacts webpage.
For CSPP: contact Consultant Regional Assignments – CDE, Early Education Division (EED).
4. When is the Desired Results Developmental Profile [DRDP (2025)] to be completed?
Depending on the program’s specific regulations, the DRDP (2025) assessment’s initial due date may range from 60 to 90 days of attendance and may occur at least once every six months thereafter. Guidance can be found in Appendix A of the DRDP (2025) instruments for program-specific regulations.
CDSS
Child assessments are completed within the first 60 days of their enrollment and then at six-month intervals thereafter. Programs wishing to assess more frequently may do so.
California State Preschool Program’s (CSPP)
The DRDP (2025) assessment must be completed between 60 and 90 calendar days of the child's first day of attendance in the program and at least once every six months thereafter. Please visit the CDE website for CSPP-specific guidance.
Special Education
Children with an IFSP or IEP are assessed twice a year, in the fall and spring. Child assessments should be initiated within the first 60 days of attendance and then at six-month intervals thereafter. Please visit the Desired Results Access Project for specific guidance.
5. How will the domains of History-Social Science (HSS) and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) be addressed in the DRDP (2025)?
These domains from the DRDP (2015) Comprehensive View were not updated in the DRDP (2025) revisions. Still, a program may elect to use these DRDP (2015) measures by adding them as additional measures when entering data into DRDP Online.
6. How many pieces of documentation are required per measure?
No specific number of observations is required per measure. Assessors need enough evidence to show mastery. Mastery means consistently, over time, and in different situations. Evidence should be gathered from families and other adults who know the child, in addition to the evidence collected from the teacher.
How does the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) relate to the early learning and development foundations?
The term “foundations” refers to goals for early learning, emphasizing that learning and development in the early years of life are foundational to children’s lifelong achievement, both in and out of school. The foundations describe research-based expectations for young children’s learning and development and are the central component of California’s early learning and development system.
The state’s early learning foundations align to kindergarten standards; together, the foundations and standards provide goal-like statements about the learning and development that most children typically exhibit around specific age ranges (first 4 months, 4 to 11 months, 11 to 23 months, 23 to 36 months, 3 to 4.5 years, and 4 to 5.5 years and kindergarten through grade three) when given appropriate developmental and instructional support. Together, the measures within each domain of the DRDP (2025) cover the breadth and depth of content across California’s early learning goals, which are embodied in the state’s Infant-Toddler Learning and Development Foundations, Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations, and Kindergarten Content Standards, including the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.
This information can be referenced in Intro 5 of the DRDP assessment.
What resources are available for DRDP Online?
Please visit Desired Results for Children and Families/DRDP Online Resources. For additional support, please call 1.800.770.6339 or email desiredresults@wested.org.
What reports are available in DRDP Online?
See a list of current reports available in DRDP Online. Visit DRDP Online Guidance Documents and Reports for a description of DRDP Online reports.
What training opportunities exist to support full implementation of the DRDP (2025)?
WestEd offers in-person and free virtual training. Visit the DRDP (2025) training page for more information.
DRDP (2025) learning modules are available for free in California Early Childhood Online.
The Desired Results Access Project offers free virtual training for early childhood special education programs through DR Access LEARN.