This session will focus on assessing levels of communication for learners at the non-symbolic or early symbolic level of communication. The Communication Matrix (Rowland, C., 2006) will be used to review the assessment process and how to target levels for instruction and programming. A variety of examples of learners at various pre-symbolic stages and intervention strategies to further their communicative abilities will be provided. The transition from pre-symbolic to emerging symbolic communication and interventions designed to promote the learners' continued progress at this stage of expressive communication development will be discussed. This session addresses Special Education Self-Assessment Indicators 4, 7, 12, & 14.