1 Early Childhood Assessment: Information for Early Childhood Program Administrators
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Early Childhood Assessment:
Information for Early Childhood Program Administrators
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Overview What and why it is important Early Childhood vs. K-12 assessment Types of child assessment systems Support to staff Use of data Equipment, materials, resources Parent Involvement Role of Massachusetts Department of
Early Education and Care
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What is Early Childhood Assessment?
Process of observing, recording, and documenting work of children
Allows educators to make the best decisions for the child
Methods can include standardized tests observations, child portfolios, teacher and parent checklists and child and parent interviews
Child screening vs. assessment
Why is Early Childhood Assessment Important?
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Growing emphasis on early childhood assessment
Better decisions regarding teaching and learning
Identifying children with special needs Program Improvement
What about a child is assessed?
Emotional/Social: expressing feelings, forming friendships, resolving conflicts with others
Language: listening and talking
Physical: using pencils (fine motor skills), climbing and running (gross motor skills)
Cognitive: numbers, colors, and patterns
Approaches to Learning: curiosity and excitement about learning and ways of learning new information
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How does early childhood assessment differ from K-12th grade assessment?
Kindergarten – 12th grade assessment places emphasis on academic knowledge
Early childhood assessment places emphasis on all aspects of a child’s development
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How does early childhood assessment differ from K-12th grade assessment continued…
K-12th grade assessment uses mainly tests, quizzes and essays.
Early childhood assessment uses child observations, developmental checklists and child portfolios
Both are used to guide decisions about…* Child interventions* Resources
Types of Child Assessment Systems
Program-developed child assessment tools
*Pros
*Cons
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Types of Child Assessment Systems cont… Published (or packaged) child assessment tools
*Pros
*Cons
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Choosing an Appropriate Assessment System A well-designed assessment system:
* Considers all domains of child development
* Is developmentally appropriate* Aligned with your curriculum and the state’s early learning standards
* Reliable, valid, and fair* Captures growth over a period of time
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Training Opportunities on Early Childhood Assessment Opportunities for staff to better understand early childhood assessment* College courses* Training by publishers* Offerings through local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
* EEC Professional Development calendar: www.eec.state.ma.us/ProfessionalDevelopment/WebFindTraining.aspx
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Ways to Support Your Staff in the Assessment Process Confidential observations Assistance in writing summary statements
ELL staff and observations Computer access Staff meeting agenda item Time for training and implementation Staff planning time
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Using Child Assessment Data
Evaluate effectiveness Staff support Better inform parents Assist in child transitions Identify children who needspecial services
Program improvement
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Suggested Equipment, Materials, and Resources Equipment: computer, printer, digital camera, high-speed internet
Materials: notebooks for portfolios, photo paper, paper, clip boards, post-it notes
Resources: assessment tool-kits, books/articles on early childhood assessment
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How can Parents be Involved in the Early Childhood Assessment Process? Enrollment On-site developmental screenings Parent Checklists Parent/Teacher conferences
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What is Massachusetts currently doing around early childhood assessment?
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Pilot
Project
* Assessment Planning Grants
More information:
www.eec.state.ma.us
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UPK Eligible Child Assessment Tools
Creative Curriculum’s Developmental Continuum or CreativeCurriculum.net
Work Sampling System
High Scope Child Observation Record
Ages and Stages Questionnaire
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In closing… Suggested articles specific to early childhood assessment
Contact at the Dept. of Early Education and Care:
Jennifer LouisDept. of Early Education and Care
51 Sleeper St., 4th FloorBoston, MA 02210(617)988-6640
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