Child Observation and Assessment

Welcome to the Sample Course!

Scroll down to view all of the sessions in this course. Click on the next button at the bottom to explore the sample pages.

Session 0

Introduction

Start here for an overview of the course. Learn more about the structure of the course and the tools we'll use.

Session 1

Introduction to Observation

In this session, we will introduce two foundational course elements: child observation and sharing positive observation with families.

Session 2

A Closer Look at Observation

In this session, you will learn more about observing children—responsive and focused.

Session 3

Documenting Observations

This session covers the importance of documenting observations and effective ways to do that. Anecdotal records, work samples, and photos are the types of documentation discussed in this session.

Session 4

More Ways to Document

In this session, participants will learn other ways to document children’s learning, such as checklists and video.

Session 5

Gathering Information with Families and Staff

This session discusses inviting families to share information about their children as part of ongoing assessment processes and organizing documentation of children’s progress.

Session 6

Ongoing Assessment

This session addresses how to use data to evaluate children’s progress compared to expected outcomes.

Session 7

Planning for Ongoing Assessment

In this session, you’ll learn about planning for ongoing assessment.

Session 8

Partnering with Families and Children for Ongoing Assessment

This session focuses more on sharing assessment information with families. It will also cover strategies for communicating effectively with them.

Session 9

Ongoing Assessment: Dual Language Learners

This session focuses on ongoing assessment of children who come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Session 10

Ongoing Assessment: Children with Special Needs

This session discusses ongoing assessment of children with disabilities and those at-risk for disabilities.

Session 11

Interpreting Data to Improve Teaching

This session focuses on ways that early childhood educators use information that they gather to adjust their teaching and help children progress toward learning and development goals.

Session 12

Screening and Kindergarten Readiness

This session focuses on screening assessment to monitor young children’s development and on kindergarten readiness assessment.

Session 13

Partnering with Families When Concerns Arise

This session focuses on the process of referring a child for further evaluation after identifying a concern through screening or observation and partnering with families throughout the process.

Session 14

Using Group Data to Make Improvements

This session addresses using information about the progress of groups of children in early learning settings to improve teaching and learning and children’s outcomes.

Session 15

Putting It All Together

In this section, you’ll review main ideas from the course and identify which ones are most important for your teaching practice.

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