Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact Rationale/Reflection NAEYC Standard: STANDARD 3.

OBSERVING, DOCUMENTING, AND ASSESSING TO

SUPPORT YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that child observation, documentation, and other forms of assessment are central to the practice of all early childhood professionals. They know about and understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment. They know about and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence the development of every child (NAEYC, 2011).

Brief Description of Evidence:

In watching a classroom of preschoolers in an Early Childhood Education classroom, the teachers and the parents are in constant communication with each other on the educational and behavior needs of the child. There is a documentation binder for the parents to observe daily, and the teacher makes comments on note paper folded for each parent on the way the child worked that day. By watching parents coming into the classroom the teacher is respectively at the door greeting each parent. If personal issues need to be discussed the teacher either set up a conference, or excuse themselves from the room with an aide assisting the children.

Analysis of What I Learned:

There are many aspects of doing an observation on a classroom of Early Childhood Education children. There are different techniques that the teacher uses to provide educational needs for the preschoolers. The teacher emphasized the many assessments, goals, and documentation used for each child that is in her care that is required. I have learned that the main goal of the classroom is to achieve standards needed to create a positive influence on each childs development. If the goals are not met the parents may ask for a conference to see where the problems may lie. During these meetings the teacher explains what they have observed and assessments given, and together everyone discuss the educational strategies that can benefit the child. Understanding the goals of each child makes the educational process go smoothly.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard

I understand and promote observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies which are central to the practice of an Early Childhood professional. I do this by having effective assessments and positive relationships with parents, families, and other professionals to be a positive influence in the childs development. I will do this by making accurate records, goals, observations and assessments of each childs educational needs.