The first part of your Child Observation Project requires that you select a child (5YR GIRL-‘CHLOE’)as the focus of your project and obtain parent/family permission. This child could be the child of a friend, a neighbor, a niece or nephew. As you select the child, keep in mind that you will need to work with his/her parent/close family member during Week 2 and observe him/her twice during Week 3 for approximately 45 minutes each time. In the process of confirming the family’s participation, make sure that the parent/family member is comfortable with the project and understands the purpose, which is for your educational development.
Note: Out of respect for privacy and confidentiality, do not use the full name of the child whom you are working with or the names of any family members. You may use initials, first names, or fictitious names.
Review pages 33-35 of Assessing and Guiding Young Children’s Development and Learning, focusing on how assessment can be utilized to monitor children’s development and learning.
Implement: Take the First Steps
Based on what you have learned about assessment so far in the course, write a letter that you can share with the child’s parents or family members that explains the role of assessment in monitoring children’s development and learning, and gives an overview of what the Child Observation Project involves.
Obtain parent/family member permission for their child to take part in this project.
Reflect
Consider:
The scope of the Child Observation Project and what will be expected of you throughout the course
What you have learned about assessment so far in this course
Your hopes for the project as far as your own professional growth
For this assignment, submit:
The letter that you wrote to the parents/family members summarizing the role of assessment in monitoring children’s development and learning and detailing the Child Observation Project
A summary of your reflection (cite specific examples from the Required Resources to support your thinking and ideas)
