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, 2010)

Brief Description of Evidence:

As part of my ECED 100 Introduction to Early Childhood Education course during the summer semester of 2011, I worked independently to research the Indiana Department of Educations ISTAR-KR assessment tool for children ages birth through five years old. I then was able to observe each child in the areas of: English/Language Arts, Math, Personal Care, Physical, and Social/Emotional.

Analysis of What I Learned:

As a result of what I have learned in various courses of study, I have gained valuable knowledge about the importance of properly observing, making anecdotal notes and using assessments as a way to provide beneficial support to young children and their families. I have learned to base my teaching on what information I find out about children while observing and assessing. I have learned that assessing is an on-going process that takes place on a daily basis. I now know how to connect with professionals in the community that can offer their expertise about individual needs of children.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

By utilizing the ISTAR-KR assessment tool, I am showing that I understand the importance of observing and assessing the children in their natural environment. This artifact shows that I am capable of using the information that I have collected about the childrens individual development and use it to positively guide the childs knowledge base. This artifact also shows that I can convey the gathered information in a meaningful way to parents, as well as professionals so that we can work together to ensure their kindergarten readiness.