Let’s focus where it counts—and stop guessing what to study.

Hey Reader,

If you’re prepping for the Early Childhood Education (206) content test, this newsletter is for you.

Most people who struggle with this exam are not unprepared—they’re just studying the wrong way. And when all you get back is “Not Pass” with no feedback for weeks, it can feel like you’re failing without knowing why.

But there’s a structure to this test—and once you understand that, your prep gets clearer and your confidence starts to build again.

Let’s break down the section that could move the needle the most.

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Here’s what we’re covering in this issue:

• How to stay encouraged and get back on track
• The most heavily weighted section of the ILTS 206 exam
• A breakdown of what this section actually tests
• An AI prompt that helps you think through tricky scenarios
• A real question from someone who’s frustrated after multiple attempts

Framework Focus: ILTS 206 – Subarea I: Human Development and Learning

Weight: ~33% of your total score.
​This subarea is the most important section on the exam in terms of point value.

What it covers:

• Developmental milestones from birth through age 8
• Key theories like Piaget, Vygotsky, and Erikson
• How environment, culture, trauma, and disability shape development
• How to support whole-child growth through responsive teaching
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Common Trap:
​Trying to memorize terms without knowing how they play out in real-life classroom decisions. ILTS questions are scenario-based—meaning the right answer is often about choosing the most developmentally appropriate response.

🧠 Pro Tip:
​ Look for the answer that reflects:

• Empathy
• Family connection
• Social-emotional awareness
• Gentle, age-appropriate redirection

Example:
​ A 4-year-old struggles with transitions and cries during cleanup.
Which response fits best?
❌ “Explain the schedule again and redirect the child to clean.”
✅ “Acknowledge the child’s feelings and offer a visual or verbal countdown to support the transition.”
That second choice reflects what the test (and real-life teaching) values.

AI in Action

This week’s AI prompt:

“Write 4 ILTS 206-style questions based on early childhood cognitive and emotional development. Include explanations for each correct and incorrect answer.”

Then follow up with:

“Which answers reflect best practices in early childhood education and why?”

AI helps you practice thinking through tough choices—not just recognizing terms.

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Question of the Week

“I’ve taken the Early Childhood 206 test three times and failed. I passed Elementary Ed on my first try, but this one keeps tripping me up. I studied, took Pearson’s practice tests, and still didn’t pass. What am I doing wrong?”

You’re not doing anything wrong—you’re just dealing with a test that requires different thinking.

This test wants to see if you can:

• Think like a developmentally responsive educator
• Understand child development in context
• Apply theories to real-world classroom scenarios
• Choose what’s best for the child, not just academically correct
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Focus on Subarea I. Practice with AI. And remind yourself: You can pass this. You’re closer than you think.

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You're closer than you think.

You’ll get the next issue next Sunday at 11 AM—with more strategies, more clarity, and more support.
And if there’s something you’re stuck on or want me to cover, hit reply and send your question my way. I might feature it in an upcoming issue.

—Tori J.
Founder, Over the Hurdle

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