The Student Risk Screening Scale for Early Childhood: An Initial Validation Study

We report findings of two exploratory validation studies of a revised instrument: the Student Risk Screening Scale for Early Childhood version (SRSS-EC). The SRSS-EC was modified to reflect characteristics of externalizing and internalizing behaviors manifested by preschool-age children. In Study 1, we explored the reliability of SRSS-IE (Student Risk Screening Scale–Internalizing and Externalizing) 14 scores by examining item-level data, internal consistency, and factor structure using exploratory factor analysis with 489 preschool-age students. Results supported retention of 11 items, resulting in the SRSS-EC 11 (with SRSS-EC E7 externalizing subscale and SRSS-EC I4 internalizing subscale). Next, we established convergent validity of the SRSS-EC 11 with two well-established screening tools: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Early Screening Project. In Study 2, we reported findings of a confirmatory factor analysis and a subsequent convergent validity study with 737 preschool-age students to determine generalizability. We offered limitations and future directions.