Levels of Optimum Performance Early Learner (LOOP-EL): Structured Interviews for the MOTAS-EL

The LOOP-EL (Levels of Optimum Performance – Early Learner) Interviews are structured interviews that help select the domains to assess in the the Meaningful Outcomes Treatment & Assessment Scale – Early Learner (MOTAS-EL). They are used to collect information from caregivers and professionals involved in a child’s care. The goal is to ensure that everyone involved in the client’s care has a voice regarding the treatment plan and is kept “in the loop” about treatment, expectations, and progress.

When paired with the MOTAS-EL Guide and Scoring Booklet, the LOOP-EL Interviews provide the qualitative context that gives meaning to the numerical data recorded in assessments, helping teams design programs that are both evidence-based and personally relevant to each child and family.

The Joy Curriculum

The LOOP-EL contains the Joy Curriculum, which was created to support parents of children with autism and other related disabilities who are receiving therapy. It establishes meaningful, everyday goals that foster connection, confidence, and joy within the family.

The Joy Curriculum provides simple, practical ways to bring warmth, hope, and intention into daily life and relationships. The questionnaire is meant to be completed with the parent to develop and document parent goals. The curriculum itself is a supportive guide designed to help parents actively engage in their child’s therapeutic journey by setting clear, meaningful goals that align with their child’s unique strengths and challenges. 

How to Use the LOOP-EL

The LOOP-EL and LOOP-P-EL Interviews guide conversations about the child’s current skills, daily routines, preferences, and needs. The interview structure helps professionals build a complete picture of the learner’s abilities and focus on individualized, family-centered planning.

The LOOP-EL is designed for caregivers, while the LOOP-P-EL is designed for professionals on the care team. Each booklet contains both sets of interviews, so your information is kept all in one place. 

*The LOOP-EL Structured Interviews are meant to be used in partnership with the Meaningful Outcomes Treatment & Assessment Scales Early Learner (MOTAS-EL).

**The LOOP-EL interviews are criterion-referenced measures, meaning that the questions and related scales are based on predetermined objective standards (in contrast to norm-referenced assessments, which compare an individual’s performance to that of others in a normative group).

Bulk Discounts Available

Shop the MOTAS-EL Guide, the MOTAS-EL Scoring Booklet, the MOTAS-EL Play Schemas, and the MOTAS-EL Full Bundle.

• If you purchase 10-19 of this title, simply apply the code DRTL10 at checkout and receive 10% off your order!
• If you purchase 20-29 of this title, simply apply the code DRTL20 at checkout and receive 20% off your order!
• If you purchase 30 of this title, simply apply the code DRTL30 at checkout and receive 30% off your order!

About the Authors

Anika Hoybjerg, PhD, EdS, BCBA-D, LBA

Dr. Hoybjerg is the CEO, founder, and owner of Autism & Behavioral Intervention (ABI), ABA Education Center, and Integrity Billing. Anika has worked in public schools and in private sectors with children and families for over 20 years. Anika is a Doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and a Licensed School Psychologist. Anika has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Autism, a Master’s degree in Human Exceptionality, a Master’s degree in Neuroscience and Trauma, an Ed.S in School Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis. Anika has presented at regional, national, and international conferences on a variety of topics relating to kindness in ABA services, autism, collaboration, and assessments.

Casey Barron, BCBA, LBA 

Casey is a practicing Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been working in ABA since early 2015, spending several years first working as an RBT then as a BCBA in academic, home, and clinical settings. In addition to her work as a practicing BCBA, Casey works as the clinical director of an ABA center that has supported hundreds of children and where she oversees and trains staff members and future BCBAs. Since becoming a BCBA, Casey has presented at regional and international conferences on case studies from her own clinical practice.

Celia Heyman, PhD, BCBA-D

Dr. Celia Heyman is a lead consultant at FTF Behavioral Consulting where she consults with schools and clinics on the implementation of the Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment. Celia is also a core faculty at Capella University’s graduate Applied Behavior Analysis program. Celia was a guest editor on the special issue covering compassion for the Behavior Analysis in Practice.  Celia currently serves on the Development Committee of the B.F. Skinner Foundation and is the Student Activities Chairperson for the World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance. She has presented in national and international conferences on topics addressing interfering behaviors, emerging learning instruction, and supervision.