Evaluating children in early childhood education settings is an ongoing process of using observations and other evidence to make judgements about children\u2019s development and learning. The purpose of regular evaluation through a process of documentation and assessment is to enable responsive, well-thought-out long-term and short-term planning to promote the optimal growth, development, and learning for all children in the program.<\/p>\r\n
Approaches to evaluation that are culturally and linguistically relevant and responsive to the social, physical, and intellectual capabilities will acknowledge children\u2019s abilities and strengths, and allow them to demonstrate competence. Evaluation, when undertaken in collaboration with children, can support and empower them to see themselves as capable and foster independence and initiative.<\/p>\r\n
When educators reflect on their role in children\u2019s lives, they reflect on their views and understandings of theory, research, and practice to focus on:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This process of reflective evaluation can lead to quality early childhood education programming that supports the optimal development of each child it provides care and education for.[1]<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pause to Reflect<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n
Summarize what you now know about documentation and assessment in a paragraph. What are your key takeaways from this chapter?<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
[1]\u00a0My Time, Our Place - Framework for School Age Care in Australia\u00a0by the\u00a0Department of Education and Training\u00a0is licensed under\u00a0CC BY 4.0<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n