1 early childhood assessment: information for early childhood program administrators
TRANSCRIPT
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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 need
special 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)[email protected]
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