SPPI-7 measures the demonstrated improvement for preschool children aged three through five with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in the following areas:

• Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships).
• Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/communication and early literacy); and
• Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.

Local education agencies (LEAs) utilize the Childhood Outcomes Summary (COS) Process to document children's progress in the three outcomes. LEAs report these outcomes using a specific rating category on a seven-point scale at entry and exit of all students aged three through five (not in kindergarten) who receive early childhood special education (ECSE) services for six months or more during the school year.