ECD 135P - Practicum: Observation and Assessment

 
Description
This course examines effective methods for observing, assessing and documenting young children’s behavior for the purpose of planning developmentally appropriate curriculum, activities, environments and interactions. Students will meet in a weekly seminar and obtain direct experience in observing and assessing children through a 45-hour supervised field experience in an early childhood setting, school, agency or therapeutic setting. Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance , a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site.

1. Describe methods of observation used in early childhood settings to assess children’s growth and development.
2. Identify the value and uses of objective observational data.
3. Use various observational methods to document/record children’s behavior.
4. Apply appropriate theories of growth and development.
5. Review contemporary issues in assessment and guidelines for appropriate, authentic assessment of young children.
6. Employ ethical and professional practice in written communications and interactions.
7. Use assessment and observation data to plan experiences and environments for children that reflect their interests, abilities and learning styles.
8. Construct a NAEYC standards-based educational portfolio with appropriate artifacts.

1. Definition of observation
2. Purposes of observation: knowing and understanding children’s behavior and needs.
3. Observational methods and techniques
4. Documentation: collecting, recording
5. Confidentiality, ethics and professionalism
6. Definition of assessment
7. Current trends in assessment
8. Purpose of assessment
9. Assessment tools, techniques and methods
10. Interpreting observational and assessment information
11. Using observation and assessment data for planning developmentally appropriate curriculum, environments, activities and adaptations in early childhood settings
12. Communicating with families
13. Working with other professionals

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