Standard 3. Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families
Key elements of Standard 3
Key elements of Standard 3
As an early childhood professional, I believe that standard 3 means knowing how to observe, document, and assesses young children and then using documentation to communicate others. More importantly, it also means understanding the benefits of assessment and what the goals are in order to avoid showing bias. The tools we use to accomplish these goals would also include technology and data collection. When doing assessments, one must understand and use those assessments to benefit all children within the classroom. Lastly, it is vital to know how assessment creates a collaborative environment with families and colleagues in order to build effective learning environments.
3a. Understanding the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
For Key Element 3 A, I have included a completed a child planning form based on a child that a colleague and I prepared at A-Karrasel Child Care Center. This group planning form was based on observations that we made within the classroom. Its primary focus was to help advance every child’s strengths or areas of challenge. This child planning form demonstrates my understanding of this key element because I was able to set developmentally appropriate goals for each child within our classroom. Also through this I was able to understand how important observations and assessments are supporting the growth of children. In the future, I will continue to use observations and assessment tools to better serve children. (To keep each child's information confidential, I have only used each child's first initial of their name.)
- Standard 3 key element A artifact
3b. Knowing about assessment partnerships with families and with professional colleagues.
For key element 3 B, I am using a preschool case study that I completed in Child Development 101, Human Growth and Development. For this case study I had to observe a child and follow certain steps to learn about that particular child. This preschool case study demonstrates my understanding of this key element because I observed and documented this child by writing narrative observations, taking pictures, and using Microsoft Word to help gather and organize all my data. In the future, I will use observations and technology to help assess children within my classroom. Furthermore, with that information I will use documentation tools to show parents their child’s growth and progress.
- Standard 3 key element B artifact
preschool_observation.docx | |
File Size: | 1430 kb |
File Type: | docx |
3c. Knowing about and using observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches.
For key element 3 C, I will use a learning prescription that I did during Child Development 201, Observation and Management of Child Behavior. This learning prescription was part of a child case study that focused on a child’s strengths and areas of challenges. The learning prescription demonstrates my understanding of this key element because I used many appropriate assessment tools and due to this I was able to plan activities that promoted this child’s strengths and supported his challenged areas. In the future, I plan on using assessment tools and data collection in order to promote positive outcomes for all the children within my classroom. Although I have not mentioned assistive technology, as an early childhood teacher, I know that I will have to learn how to use assistive technology in order to help children with special needs.
- Standard 3 key element C artifact
learning_prescription.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
3d. Understanding and practicing responsible assessment to promote positive outcomes for each child.
For key element 3 D, I am attaching a portfolio that a lead teacher and I completed at A-Karrasel. We collected a child’s work throughout a semester. During parent teacher conferences, I used the portfolio to provide evidence of this child’s learning. This portfolio demonstrates my understanding of this key element because both the lead teacher and I collaborated around developmentally appropriate ideas. We also worked together and decided what items would go into the portfolio that demonstrated that particular child’s growth. Furthermore, because I presented the portfolio to this parent during parent teacher conferences, it allowed them an opportunity to provide feedback on their child’s progress within the classroom. In the future, I plan to continue to use portfolios as a means of assessment partnerships with my colleagues and the families in my classroom because it allowed all of us to see each child’s growth individually and socially which helped me to build an effective learning environment. (To keep this child's information confidential the name is not included in the artifact.)
- Standard 3 key element D artifact