Assessing For Learning And Development In The Early Years Using Observation Scales

"A resource for early learner educators in making connections between educators, families and children, for improved learning outcomes."--Provided by publisher.

The assessment of young children's development and learning has recently taken on new importance. Private and government organizations are developing programs to enhance the school readiness of all young children, especially children from economically disadvantaged homes and communities and children with special needs. Well-planned and effective assessment can inform teaching and program improvement, and contribute to better outcomes for children. This book affirms that assessments can make crucial contributions to the improvement of children's well-being, but only if they are well designed, implemented effectively, developed in the context of systematic planning, and are interpreted and used appropriately. Otherwise, assessment of children and programs can have negative consequences for both. The value of assessments therefore requires fundamental attention to their purpose and the design of the larger systems in which they are used. Early Childhood Assessment addresses these issues by identifying the important outcomes for children from birth to age 5 and the quality and purposes of different techniques and instruments for developmental assessments.

Children develop and learn best when their environment is tailored to their individual needs, supported through careful observation, informed assessment and dynamic planning - a cycle which is the bedrock of good early years practice. Although the EYFS recommends that observation, assessment and planning should be linked in a constant, cyclical process, in practice this can be a significant challenge. This book presents an integrated framework which puts the cycle into practical terms, bringing it all together to ensure a seamless process and to support you in this vital part of your work. The focus is on the critical links within the cycle and combines theory with proven good practice, including: Making and recording observations effectively and efficiently How observations should inform next steps, assessment and planning Bringing all the information together into a cyclical process Exploring potential challenges Using reflective practice to refine and improve your techniques Rich in practical examples and case studies that illustrate how the cyclical framework works in practice, this is an excellent resource for early years practitioners and students looking to improve their observation, assessment and planning techniques. "Observation, Assessment and Planning in the Early Years – Bringing it All Together, actually does bring it all together. Kathy Brodie has linked theorists from the past to the present, skilfully connecting to the revised EYFS. Early Years students and practitioners will have the opportunity to reflect on the innovative ideas that she has suggested. Kathy has also included detailed information on observing SEN children. This modern update to observation, assessment and planning is a must read for the early years sector." Laura Henry, Managing Director, Childcare Consultancy "This is a very well researched and practical guide to observation, planning and assessment in the Early Years. Kathy has collected together both historical and current thinking and ideas around the subject and then presented them in a way that is easy for the reader to access, understand and, more importantly, apply. The structure and format of the book helps the reader to check their understanding of the key learning points and then supports them in working through any challenges that they may have along with answers to key questions. Observation, Planning and Assessment in the Early Years is an essential read for all Early Years Practitioners from those with experience to those just starting out." Alistair Bryce-Clegg, Early Years Consultant "This is a wonderful and timely resource to help practitioners make and use well informed judgements of young children's learning and achievement. The four threads of observation, assessment, next steps and planning are skilfully woven together. Plentiful exemplifications and case studies vividly illustrate theoretical points and give young children a central place in the book." Marion Dowling, Early Years Specialist and Vice President of Early Education

Are you struggling with the complexities of assessment? Demystifying the process of assessment for learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this book explains in straightforward language how to put principles into practice. Looking at models of assessment, the book draws heavily on examples of real assessments from practice, and the relevant theory is explained in context. Lessons from research are applied to best practice, and issues covered include: - self-assessment and peer assessment - collecting evidence as a basis for making judgements - how to track the child′s development in the six areas of learning - using assessment to inform future planning - summative assessment in the EYFS - involving parents and carers in the assessment process - using assessment to support children with additional needs - moderation Throughout the book there are plenty of practical examples from a range of early years settings, with case studies for the Birth to Five age range. Students, teachers, teaching assistants and those working towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) will find this an invaluable guide.

This book presents a holistic view of child development that emphasises on being mindful of the child as well as his/her environment. It presents a history of the development of the early childhood education sector in Singapore. This book consolidates the more recent research work that has been done in early childhood education, specifically by researchers from the National Institute of Education, Singapore. It discusses topics focusing on child development and education, teacher training and wellbeing, and the development of culturally appropriate assessment. The content of this book center around the child, with a consideration of influences in the environment that can impact child development.

This book approaches STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) in early childhood education from multiple angles. It focuses on the teaching and learning of children from two years of age to the early years of school. Proponents of STEAM describe how it can create opportunities for children to learn creatively, and various chapter authors make strong connections between discipline areas within the context of an informal curriculum. Others advocate for an integrated STEM, rather than STEAM, approach. With a light touch on theory and a focus on how to embed STE(A)M in an integrated early childhood curriculum, the editors and contributors examine the STEAM versus STEM question from multiple angles. The chapters provide helpful frameworks for parents, teachers and higher education institutions, and make practical suggestions of ways to support young children’s inquiry learning. Drawing on pedagogy and research from around the world, this book will be of interest to scholars of STEAM education, early childhood educators, students of early childhood education and parents of young children.

This collection brings together a diverse group of scholars from throughout the world who have grappled with and investigated the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the lives of young children. Profound changes have occurred in all facets of early childhood education and care (ECEC). Young children and their families, college students enrolled in teacher preparation programs, inservice teachers/caregivers, and postsecondary faculty have endured prolonged periods of quarantine, disruption, stress, and grief precipitated by the pandemic. These consequences have been even more challenging for individuals and groups who were already struggling or marginalized prior to the advent of the coronavirus. Collectively, the chapter authors draw upon findings from their research and insights gleaned from professional experiences to recommend ways of providing high-quality programs despite persistent global health threats.​