Directions:

• Respond to each item. Each response should be concise and between 2 and 3 paragraphs in length.
• Use MS Word to write your responses, and submit your answers to all three questions in one Word document.
• Copy and paste each question within the document, so that your Instructor can see which question you are responding to.

1. Consider what you have learned about why we assess young children. Based on pages 31–33 of Assessing and Guiding Young Children’s Development and Learning and the video segment “Overview of Assessment”,” briefly explain the importance of developmentally appropriate assessments.

2. Policymakers, the early childhood profession, and other stakeholders in young children’s lives have many shared responsibilities regarding effective assessment (NAEYC & NAEC/SDE, 2003, p. 4). Using the information presented on pages 3–6 of Assessing and Guiding Young Children’s Development and Learning, explain the responsibilities of each of these groups in ensuring effective assessment.

3. Each child approaches, interacts, and processes their world in unique ways. Effective assessment takes this uniqueness into account through sensitivity to individual abilities and linguistic, social, and cultural differences. Review pages 18–23 of Assessing and Guiding Young Children’s Development and Learning, and explain, using examples, why sensitivity to each of these factors is such an important component of effective assessment. Then, summarize the role fair and impartial assessment plays in achieving this sensitivity.

   2nd  assignment:

   Part 1: Identify Your Child

   The first part of your Child Observation Project requires that you select a child 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—however; it cannot be your own child. 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.

   Plan
   
   

   • Review pages 31–33 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.

   Note: By the end of this week, you should have identified the child whom you will be using for your Child Observation Project. Your work with this child will begin during Week 2.

   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)

    

   Assignment length: Minimum 2 pages