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 a) know about and understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
They b) know about and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective
assessment strategies c) in a responsible way, d) in partnership with families and other
professionals, to positively influence the development of every child. (NAEYC,2010)

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the spring semester of 2015 during my ECED 235-Preschool Practicum course, I
completed a child case study which consisted of many checklists, observations, and activities for
one child. I had to meet different learning and development domains for the child. Throughout
the assignment I had to observe and watch the childs development, and determine how to form
an appropriate achievement goal for the child. I had to create a partnership with the childs
family and my mentor to see the childs characteristics, their needs, and create goals.

Analysis of What I Learned:

After completing this child case study, I learned how to take many different styles of checklists,
observations and assessments and see the developmental growth of the child from the beginning
to the end. I have learned how to professionally document anecdotal notes, organize observations
and how to complete age appropriate assessments. I learned the importance of communication
with my mentor and childs family to create age appropriate goals for the childs development
abilities.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the

NAEYC Standard:
This Artifact demonstrates my competence in standard 3, by having the knowledge to observe a
childs characteristics and his/hers needs through artifacts, assessments tactics, anecdotal notes,
observation, and collaborating with my mentor and childs family. I understand how to properly
document the outcome and create modification as needed. I have gained the knowledge to
observe children and make appropriate adjustment to curriculum when necessary to meet the
childs needs and goals, by using anecdotal notes, assessments, checklist, and documentation.
Through this case study I understand the importance of collaboration with families and my
mentor to help create a positive influence by providing appropriate activities for the childs
development needs.