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

Brief Description of Evidence:

As part of my ECED 235 practicum course in the fall of 2013, I worked with a child to do a case
study. I had to get background information from the family. I had to take pictures of the child
doing certain things. I had to evaluate the childs skills and give recommendations on enhancing
the childs development.

Analysis of What I Learned:

By completing this case study, I learned how to work with parents and the child to get a better
understanding of the child. I learned how to evaluate the child thoroughly. I used activity kits to
help the child enhance the goals I set for the child based on my assessment. I was able to help
this child improve their skills and help the parents to participate. By assessing a child using a
checklist, I can clearly see what the child strives in and what we need to work on. I can partner
with tutors to make sure the child will learn and understand all material.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

This case study has showed me that I have the ability and the skills to help a child. I can make a
professional assessment on a child so that I can better teach them. I know how to set goals for a
child and how to help a child achieve these goals. By doing all of these things I can help
positively influence the childs development. By assessing a child using a checklist, I can clearly
see what the child strives in and what we need to work on. I can partner with tutors to make
sure the child will learn and understand all material.