Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact Rationale/Reflection NAEYC Standard: STANDARD 3Observing, 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 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 (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2011).

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the spring semester of 2013 in my ECED235 course I had to observe what types of assessments were conducted in the classroom. I had to write a paper about different assessments that were conducted and my thoughts of the assessments. Also during the 2012-2013 school year, I worked at Head Start as an assistant teacher. During this time I used Brigance and DECA to help assess the children to know where they were cognitively and social and emotionally. These assessments were to be completed within a child's 45 day of attendance. I then used these assessments to individually plan for the children. I then document in Teaching Strategies observations that I observe throughout the week.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Through doing observations and assessments with my children this year, I was able to see where the children were cognitively and social and emotionally. I then was able to write individualized plans for the children. Writing these individualized plans each week helps to focus on what each child's individualized needs are.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

Using the assessments that I conduct during the first 45 days of a child's attendance allows me to work with the parents to come up with goals for each child. I also use the observations that I document on a daily basis to positively influence each child in their individualize needs. I partner with the lead teacher to help establish the individual needs that each child has and then we find ways to meet these individual needs.