Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact Rationale/Reflection NAEYC Standard: STANDARD 1.

PROMOTING CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING

Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs are grounded in a child development knowledge base. They use their understanding of young childrens characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on childrens development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2011).

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the spring 2012 semester as part of my ECED235 course, I conducted two child case studies with two different children. During the time I spent with each of these children I was required to complete a parent-questionnaire, developmental checklist, assessment, and overview. I also took pictures of each childs work samples completed during class time and during kindergarten readiness.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Through completion of the child case studies I was able to gain a better understanding of each childs characteristics and needs by communicating with their parents and teachers, as well as observing the children in their classroom environments. During the 235 course I learned that positive environments play a significant role in a childs life. This experience has given me the chance to build even stronger, more positive environments for children in my care.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

This child case study project was one of the very first opportunities I had to work with a child one-on-one, inside of their own classroom environment. This opportunity has allowed me to become more confident in assessing young childrens abilities and how to provide for their individual needs. Through completing the case study, I feel that my ability to provide children with healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging environments is strong and unique.